Tony's Tips and Picks

2011-07-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

JULY REVIEW

PACKS FLAT ILLUSIONS FOR KID & FAMILY SHOWS

BY JC SUM

For the past 36 years my magical career has covered the Kid and Family show market, even my years in Las Vegas the show was for families. Now as a magician we all dream at one time or another to have that Illusion show ala Mark Wilson or David Copperfield but the bulk and set ends up making us smart to use smaller props and learn get the most mileage out of each prop. Over the years many great illusion plans are out there from creative minds such as Paul Osbourne and Andrew Mayne.

Well now from Singapore comes a new name in the Illusion designing biz and that is JC Sum. Actually first he is one of Asia's top profession Illusionists having stage over 3000 shows all over the world (http://www.jcsum.com/). His creative gift to the world of magic is his eye and mind on how Illusions work and how to get the most out of one for his audience. Having produced other books and DVDs on Illusions for stage and street magic (http://www.illusionbooks.com/), JC turns his talents to the Family Market with Packs Flat Illusions for Kid & Family shows.

Now with a title like that JC has a lot to live up and does! Now understand this is a book of Illusions for the working pro that wants to take his show to "A" level status. JC's plans are very clever and visual and that's the most important thing for any show. This book has plans for 8 Illusions which include:

THE GIFT BOX

D.I.Y. Illusion Box to Produce a Balloon Animal, Stuffed Toy or Doll

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOX
Unique Design & Routine for a Production Box

BIRTHDAY CAKE TABLE
Magically Produce a Birthday Cake Surrounded

SUPER SAVER DELIVERY
A Girl Production Illusion that Costs Less than $100 to Build

THE FABULOUS MAGIC MACHINE
A Magical Scientific Contraption for Endless Possibilities

CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY
Magically Produce a Kid From a Wizard’s Trunk

THE GIANT CEREAL MYSTERY
A Multiple Colour Changing Cereal Box to Fish Aquarium Illusion

TWISTED CONCLUSION
A Complete Vanish Climax for the Head Twister

These effects will help you be able to up sell your simple family magic show to the status of family Illusion show. Each are simple to build and perform and of course a few of them have spots where the Birthday child can be made even more of a star of the show. Some of these effects can be themed in many different style of presentations. I highly recommend this book for many reasons but first off because the idea that you can now offer much more to your family shows. The status of just one of these illusions in your show can give you the chance to also ask for a bit more money to your program and who doesn't like that concept.

Each of these Illusions are not to hard to build and could be made in a short amount of time. The price for this book is $45.00 that comes down to about 5.62 per illusion and that's a great deal in itself. Each of the Illusions are also not expensive either to build. You will be inspired from the many great ideas in this book again to take your simple family show to the next professional level. You will be able to get this book from your favorite magic dealer such as http://www.hocus-pocus.com/ as JC will be working with Murphy's Magic to sell them worldwide.

Hope you get the chance to purchase this great book. If you are someone looking to have your product reviewed please feel free to email me at tonyblanco@aol.com

2010-03-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

Rogue Festival 2010 Professor Tony Blanco's Traveling Magic Show

Here is a pictoral of my currrent show at the Rogue Festival in Fresno, CA

More pic on my facebook account. Two more shows here in Fresno on Sat March 13 at Dianna's Studio 826 North Fulton 11:30 am and 5:30 PM. Tickets 7.00 day of the show

2009-11-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

All things are Magical at the Big Fresno Fair.

This was my first year at the Big Fresno Fair and finally created something that has been on the drawing board for years. The Professor Tony Blanco Traveling Magic Show trike. Hopefully this will be the start of working Fairs around the state of California. Below are some pics at the Fair.

If you want to see the creation of the trike I have posted pictures step by step on my Facebook account. .

2009-08-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Gang,

Well its been awhile since I have posted and over a year 1/2 since leaving Hocus Pocus. I have been busy performing around the Central Valley of California.
I see more new magic coming out and as while as creating new shows. So I figure time to let folks know what going on in the entertainment biz. Hopefully those of you who used to read my blog will be able to chime in on whats happening with you also. I have had some time to also work in the gathering of friends on Facebook and Myspace so I hope some if not all of you will write in with new items or projects that you want to share to help fellow performers grow or items you want to sell.

If some of you want items, DVD's, books to be reviewed please contact me at tonyblanco@aol.com for my shipping address to review and post your new items. Just a quick note for now

Tony Blanco
http://www.tonyblanco.com

2008-01-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

Onward and Upward

Here is that time of the year when your either up to 4 feet of Snow trying to get a gig or wondering when the season is ready for gigs again. So far this year has been a bit of both for me. Not that we get snow here in Fresno like I did as a kid growing up in New York. We have gotten enough rain some days to begin wondering if I should build an Ark. During this downtime is a great time to start lining up those gigs for the summer. For you might want to start contacting summer schools and camps. Not to mention libraries and day cares that end up taking in the kids that have no school all summer. Also now is the best time to do repairs to the props and even design a new show or two. Update so of the effects in your birthday routine. If you look in the mirror and hold up your 8x10 and that person doesn't look like you anymore, time to get new photos for you promotional material. While the slow time of the winter is slowing the world down jump ahead and be ready for those calls and shows.

Tony's Picks

Lie Detector TW3000

From local creative electronic wizard Tim Wisseman, the creator and builder of Remote Vision Color Cube and Remote Vision Die come his latest and greatest work. Is it possible to tell when someone is lying? Tim can with his Lie Detector TW3000 and you can let everyone know when someone is fibbing. The device is built into a rugged aluminum tool case measuring 11.5" X 7.5" X 4.5". The control and light display panels are made of heavy duty black acrylic plastic ready for many years of use. An elastic wrist band wired to the dreaded machine is placed on a volunteer's arm. When the power switch is turned on, 10 small bright LED lights begin to flash, including 3 lights on the wrist band. However, no matter how the person answers your questions, the lie detector will know if they are not telling the truth. If a lie is detected a bright red light comes on as a loud buzzer sounds and pandemonium ensues. It can be used in just about any routine that you can think of. It can be part of a comedy act, card trick, or even part of a mind reading effect. This is one of the most versatile utility devices you can own. It is battery powered so you can use it anywhere. It is large enough and loud enough for a stage act yet small enough to be used in a parlor show. The perfect prop for trade show workers, street performers, comedy club magician or any performer that wishes loads of laughs from his audience. Each unit is carefully hand-crafted and tested by the designer. The unit is totally under your control at all times thanks to a tiny radio remote control with a 100 foot range that you can be placed in your pocket or controlled using toe switch in your shoe. You have the option of turning off the buzzer and just use the bright light as the only indicator. The lie detector can even double as a detector of other things besides lies. Lots of comedy possibilities here for the creative magician. The TW3000 Lie Detector is an item built locally here in Fresno and you can only get them from Hocus Pocus

New Improved Remote Controlled Radio

From our friend Suds comes the greatest walk-around and close-up magical gag around, the New Improved Remote Controlled Radio. Walk up to a person and remove their pen from their breast pocket "Oh! This is one of those new radio pens," you say as you pretend to turn the end of the pen and at the same time turn on your remote controlled radio. Spectators will laugh and be amazed when they hear music or talk come from their pen! "Turn off" the pen and hand it back to the spectators and continue on with your set. The New Improved Remote Controlled Radio is a fantastic gag when making balloon animals. If you have a good music station, tune it in, present the balloon animal to the person and say, "This is a musical dog" (or whatever the animal is) and turn it's nose or tail to make it play. So many gags you can use this for and here are a few more. Turn yourself on by using a button on your jacket or costume, by turning your nose or bending one ear. Any item you pick up can be used as a gag as you find its make believe on/off button. Draw a picture of a radio on your business card and turn the knob and hold the card close to your hidden radio, then give them your card. A great way to give out your (now musical) business card. So don't miss out on the most clever way of making magic and music at anytime, anywhere and with anything!

Szechuan Sampler 2.0

From the creative team of Larry Beck and Lee Earle comes Szechuan Sampler 2.0. First published in they great book Syzygy now comes complete with all the well made props for this magical Chinese dinner. Created by Fred Rosenbaum, The performer hands four authentic menus from different Chinese restaurants to a participant, informing, "We're going to take a virtual tour among these dining establishments, sampling selections from each place until we've ordered a four-course meal: an appetizer, main dish, side dish, and dessert. Note that each restaurant has a wide variety of selections and all at different prices, yes?" The participant agrees. "You will be the host for our culinary caper." explains the Mentalist. "So hand three of those menus to folks you will invite to join you. And this, (placing a letter-size card in full view) is our gift certificate for the expenses, tax and tip included." Once the menus are distributed, the 'host' is instructed, "As our gastronomical guide, you may choose a dish from any course on the menu - we don't have to go in order Which course shall it be? ("A side dish.")** The performer takes out a pad and marking pen and, after inquiring which item is being ordered, writes it down and asks, "How much is it?" The amount is openly written down on the pad. All of the others each choose a different course and item from their menus with each name and price duly recorded in a column on the pad. "I'm certain that each of you will agree," reminds the mentalist, "that if you had chosen a different course, the selection ordered would have varied and the price would not be the same, correct?" All the participants agree. "Let's determine the total bill," suggests the performer, holding the pad in full view as he adds the price of each freely selected item. "It appears the dinner will cost $23.45. Not bad for a party of four. Let's see how much of that amount the gift certificate covers." The gift certificate is turned around and is seen to be printed with the amount $23.45! This routine comes with professionally designed and printed menus, all of them (except the paper takeout menu) are glossy coated for years of use. In addition, each menu has hidden cues for some of the most outrageous (and definitely un-PC) gag lines you could possibly imagine, which turn the effect from mere mental magic into belly-spitting entertainment! Szechuan Sampler is ready to go - no setup is required. The routine uses no forces, no gimmicks, no stooges, and nothing added or taken away. If you are working a repeat show, you may rest assured that the final total will be different! So here is a perfect packs flat, plays big presentation that you can perform right away. Imagine this as a effect to be done any type of show or even as a walkaround in a restaurant!

Restaurant Workers Handbook

From that wacky inventor and author Jim Pace comes Restaurant Workers Handbook. It is now back in print and you can learn how to make money doing restaurant magic. Jim Pace makes a very successful living performing Restaurant Magic. Now, in his Handbook for Restaurant Workers, Jim shares the secrets that have taken him years to learn. In this extremely informative 150 page book, Jim also teaches you everything it takes to become a successful restaurant entertainer. With 28 informative chapters which cover topic such as How to find places to work, How to approach a restaurant, How to get the job, How to keep the job. Then Jim covers the type of services you can provide as well as your act and the kind of material to perform. Then working tables and how to handle different clientele and for increasing income
to promote yourself and so much more. In addition to invaluable information on becoming a successful restaurant entertainer, Jim also parts with his own pet routines, including "openers", "strong middle routines", and "closers!" A not to be missed insiders guide to the money making career of Restaurant Magic

How to Make a Ton of Money Performing in Schools Program

From Cris Johnson comes his program " How to Make a Ton of Money Performing in Schools Program. Many aspiring magicians want to do school assembly shows, but their thinking about how to do it and what to offer is very flawed! For instance, most birthday show magicians decide to get into the school market because of the larger audiences and larger paychecks. Here’s the truth of the matter: If you don’t give school clients exactly the kind of program they want, then you’re NOT going to be successful in the school market! For starters, the pay is really good – Cris Johnson, creator of this course, makes between $450 (minimum) to $3000 per program performing all over the United States and Canada! Compared to other markets, schools are very easy to get into if you know the right techniques. Schools are on the look out for assembly presenters all the time. Unlike the holiday parties, Halloween shows or library shows, you can easily make a full-time living working schools 10 months out of the year, every year! What this means is this: if you want to perform in schools on a consistent basis, you must have educational material to present. That is what schools want the vast majority of the time. only by offering educational shows will you fill your calendar with shows. That’s where Cris Johnson’s new Course comes in! If you want to get into performing in schools: How would you like to: Learn how to perform on stage – not just get the gigs, but also find out exactly how to perform on stage in front of several hundred students? Know exactly what to present to school clients? How would you like to know exactly what to say to excite school administrators to say yes to hiring you? How would you like to have lists of contact names, phone numbers, addresses and schools in your area? How would you like to know exactly what to perform, what to say from a proven act, and how to get the booking? The “How To Make A Ton Of Money Performing in Schools” is actually a complete program…real marketing and complete performance script secrets that you can take and use in your performing career. After 15 years performing all over the United States and Canada, Cris Johnson knows what messages and concepts schools want for their assembly programs. He currently has three different school educational programs available to other entertainers, and they are, and continue to be, the hottest topics in schools. You will also recieve 3 complete performance script and analysis manuals. Cris' program is truly a great way to get your foot in the door of the school show market. So much more information about this program I recommend you check all of the write up information on our website.

Tony's Tips

School Shows

This week we look at School Shows. Sometimes steady work as a entertainer is not always or ever going to be the Las Vegas stage. Having a different stage everyday might be where you work instead. Making a living working for a captive audience that doesn't have to be in class today is not a bad way of earning a buck. School show audiences are always fun and I have gotten other gigs from them. Being able to visit and get return visit calls are the sign that your doing well. Over the years when I have done shows it has always been as a treat to the kids from the school's Parent Teachers group. Since I have started it was just about the magic, comedy and Fun! Over the years of learning about different performers making a living in the school show market it is now about theme programs. Folks like David Ginn and Barry Mitchell have written books and produced DVDs to show you the style of creating themed school shows.

The school show market is one that could keep you working all year round. Since I was a kid school ended for the summer. Now there are schools that run all year long due to the number of kids in the city or town. Each school has different needs for entertainers. I know some performers that do a show in the morning and then a workshop in the afternoon. Sometimes it could be a magic program followed by magic lessons for a couple of classes. Some of my friends present Circus/ Clown / Comedy shows and then in the afternoon have a circus arts workshop teaching juggling.

The other thing about school shows are you start your day early and can finish early and be home as if you did have a office job. Getting home by if not before 5:00 and have a regular life ...kindda. So tonight I am writting about school shows to also introduce a couple of guests and there tips to this blog. First please welcome Cris Johnson from "How to Make a Ton of Money Performing in Schools Program". Here are a few ideas from his book.

Cris Johnson in Action

Hi Tony,
Thanks for all of your help and kindness. Here's a blurb about me and some tips...
"I've been working in schools for the better part of two decades. I actually started off magic backwards from most in that when I was younger, I became interested inmentalism first and then went back later to traditional magic. I struggled for years to really build my career until i learned effective marketing techniques and in 1997 went full time when i lived in Pittsburgh, PA. I specialized in kid shows for several years and then in 2003 I moved to Niagara Falls, NY to get married. I took advantage of the new surroundings to concentrate on the school market, specifically elementary schools. Simply put, for me, there's no better market than schools for magic.
I want to give your readers some quick tips for those who venture into schools...
1. Realize that to consistently work in schools, you'll need character education programs, i.e. educational content. Anit-Drug, Self-Esteem and Bullying are the hottest topics.
2. Cater your programs to k-5 grades...those will be the most prominent. keep the show fast-paced and a lot of fun. leave the geek magic and mentalism at home - you're there for the kids!
3. I recommend bringing your own sound system. not only will you look like a pro, but at least %90 of the time, the people in schools have NO idea how to work the equipment!
4. Offer to do two back to back shows. This allows the school to split up the grades, which is to your advantage...because a kindergarten student sees and comprehends things differently than a 5th grader!
5. When offering an educational program, don't offer more than 3 main points - any more and you'll confuse the kids. This applies for adults a lot, too!
6. recap your points at the end to really "drive home" those key concepts
I could go on for hours, but maybe we'll save more tips for a later blog - Cris Johnson

Now as our 2nd special guest I would like to introduce the producer of the "It Factor" and Star of the Disney Magic Show Brad Ross. His marketing package called the "It Factor" is a incredible combination of books and CD's to get you right to the top of your magic and marketing game. You will save yourself years of finding stuff out the hard way by listerning and reading the "It Factor". So here are a few tips from Brad Ross.

5 Tips for School Show Performers:

1. Have a promotional item to give-away to EVERY child in the audience. Yes Every child needs to go home with your name, your contact information and your website. This is the only way to build your brand recognition among kids at your shows. Try this & you wil see by using promotional items like a magic dollar, a trick booklet, even a coloring sheet - you will see an increase in the number of shows you get from each show you do.

2. Arrive early at your show. Many times, more often than not, the school dropped the ball and forgot to tell the janitors or the music department that the magician needs the stage. You arrive & the stage is filled with TONS of band equipment, sports equipment or just storage. Arriving early helps you deal with potential issues which can & will come up.

3. Use coupons with a date for your offer. This technique has made me thousands of dollars in school shows because the school always wants to save money. When you offer them a discount by using your coupon, it creates an urgency and they must act now in order to save.

4. Follow Up. Always follow up when mailing to schools. They get so much mail and your really great piece may have gotten tossed away by accident. So by actually calling up the school and asking if they received your materials, you will have a better chance of getting a hold of the person who has the power to book or not book you.

5. When you book a show at a school, research the other schools in the area. Call up area schools and offer a discount to them since you will already be in their vacinity. You can also make this offer to the orignal school booking you; in other words, if they team up with another local area school within 5 -10 miles, you will offer them both a discount, as long as the shows are all on the same day- Brad Ross

I hope that you have been inspired to take a look at the concept of doing school shows if you don't already. Both Brad and Cris have written excellent marketing programs that you should check out on our website. I wish to say Thank you to both Brad and Cris for taking time out of their busy schedules to share with all of my readers.

If your a school show performer and wish to share a tip, please email me a Tony@hocus-pocus.com. I do hope you have read something today that will make you grow as a performer

Magically,

Tony

2008-01-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Magical Weekend At Hocus Pocus

Well to say that this weekend was full of magic and great times would be a under statement. Paul, Betty and I have been planning this event for the past year to make it even more special then last year. Our crew including Jan, Karen, Ken, Mike, Louie and new crew member Jonathan worked real hard to make everthing seem like any day visiting a magic shop. Only thing about a couple hundred people visited at the same time and 6 lectures and over 20 dealers were there at this for your visit.

Our day started on Friday with most of the set up of things just falling into place including a tent for extra dealers in the parking lot and a convention like backdrops set up in the warehouse for the lectures. Then in the afternoon one by one our good friends started arriving to set up they tables. Dick Berry, Losander, David Regal, Jay Leslie, Suds, Daryl, Dean Dill arrived in the afternoon. It was great to see old friends and chat up whats been going on. Then that night Paul and Betty played host to a welcome dinner for all the vendors and lecturers. Again stories of shows and dealing with magical customers was the talk of the evening. Yet no one left hungry after a great Chinese meal at the Joy Luck. Well enough chat to bed for a 7 am set up for the vendors.

Saturday the day begins as it does this time of the year in Fresno, with morning fog and a bit of a cold front. Yet everyone was full of energy to warm up any room. After all the vendors finish set up doors open right on time at 9 AM. The crowds now had 3 spaces to visit with dealers and folks selling lots of collectable magic. Great deals were made. Remember one man's junk is another man's treasure. Lots of young kids learning, buying and being inspired to be the next future magicians (my favorite picture below of Bobby Reynolds) on this day.

Then the lectures 6 of them to be exact all day long. Suds, David Regal, Jay Leslie, Shoot, Daryl and Losander. All differnet styles of magic and all with amazing things to share with our guest. I was pretty much running between the Hocus Pocus table to sell and then get each lecture started. Then after each lecture Paul set it up as a drawing for give aways for our guests attending the lectures. Gifts included DVD's Trick's and T-Shirts. The grand prize was a complete set of Mark Wilson DVD's of the Magial land of Allakazam. So much for one day I know Paul will mention more on his blog on Friday.

Sunday see us back again with a group of 30 eager folks to have a private workshop with the Magician's Magician Daryl. One thing to mention Daryl is an amazing teacher. Now I am not talking about his magic which is fantastic to say the least. Iam talking about the man himself, he has such a wonderful life giving inspiring way to teach. Not one person ever seemed lost or confused. His way of talking and his manner is just so clear that everyone walked away truly inspired.

Well that is just a brief report of this the second Hocus Pocus Swap Meet and Get-Together. You know its an old Vegas thing for an entertainer to say on stage "I feel there is so much love in this room tonight!" Honestly that is really the truth when it comes to our event. Folks have sent emails and thank you letters already about how much this event is just that....filled with the love of magic. The folks visiting from the vendors and dealers to the guest just show us all how much magic is important to them. This inspires each other and we really do feel the "love" when we have this event. I want to thank all who came to the event and to those who help make it look so smooth. Honestly to do this is as they say a labor of love. We look forward to next year ...bigger and even better if that is possible. Check out my Tony's Tips for a photo journey of the event. Maybe we will see your next year!

Tony's Picks

Overload

From the days of Silent movie comedies to the modern high tech movie imagine having Smoke come out of your ears on command! Produce blasts of smoke up to 5ft both sides of your head. You can repeat it as many times as you like, with no reset needed. You truly will looks like a very expensive effect that you only see in the movies, but you can perform it whenever you want at an amazing price. Plus extra bonus included FREE!! Produce smoke from bare hands. With this addition, you can produce smoke quite literally from anywhere, bare hands / bottom / leg and even build it into props. Endless possibilities! Very safe, no ignition, no heat produced and most important no hard to find hazardous chemicals. Simply amazing!! Comes full instructions, Overload gimmick, suitable for any head, whatever size even magicians! One cartridge, these refill cartridges are available all over the world. Check out the online video. So don't miss out being a walking movie effect!

Dean's Triangle Deluxe

From the creative coin magic mind of Dean Dill comes a Coins Through the Table like you've never seen before! Comes complete with 10” tall table, coins, carrying case, and DVD Here is an effect that everytime Dean performed it at the Swap meet he sold one. Not only is the routine & magic awesome, the props (& case) are gorgeous. "If you chartered a plane and flew to the Bermuda Triangle, performed your best coin magic there, Dean's Triangle would still be more impossible - Michael Weber

"Turns a great trick into an unforgettable performance piece. Dean's Triangle is pure, concentrated magic!" -- R. Paul Wilson

"Yesterday, Dean Dill did his Triangle for me. It made my jaw drop!" -- Whit Haydn

"Dean fools me a lot but this took my breath away. Dean's Triangle is so visual. I did not believe my eyes!" -- Doc Eason. So if all these guys have this to say about Dean's Triangle you need to check out the online video. Dean's Triangle is also available as a deluxe edition with special 18” round base close-up pad.

Falling for You

Now here is one of those effects that the moment it was put up on the website all of you were calling in to get one. So its a hot selling and impressive item. A spectator is shown a small bunch of cards and is asked to remember one. The cards are mixed and dropped to the ground by a spectator or magician one at a time landing in a neat little pile, except for one. One card takes off and flies towards the person that thought of a card! The card is named, turned over and shown to be the one they thought of! No elastic, No reset, No threads No magnets, No wires, Self-contained/self-working "Finally, a genuine breakthrough in plot and method! I know everyone will be doing this." -- Paul Harris.

Three Button Monte

From the wizard of gadgets Sud's comes Three Button Monte. Sud's premiered this at the swap meet this weekend. We are happy to have such a clever little item like this on the website. I call it a "walkaround or pocket verison of the Wellington Switchboard". You get this clever little pine looking box with 1 light and three push buttons. The box only measures 2 1/4 x 2 x 4 inches...oh so small and cute. You give a spectator a chance to push any button they think will light up an LED but it doesn't light no matter how many chances they get! So you give a second spectator a chance. Still the LED does not light. Only when you push the button does the LED light. You can play this little game over and over and you always win. This is one effect that you will have so much fun with Suds' Three Button Monte that it will be with you wherever you go!

Ring Finale

From Dean Dill and Rich Hurley is a utility prop that can be used as an ending for any finger ring routine. With a plot similar to "ring flight", (without the gimmick key chain) this routine does not require a jacket or reel. Best of all, it automatically resets for your next performance. After a borrowed ring is vanished, it mysteriously reappears inside a zippered purse along with a collection of beautiful rings the magician has "borrowed" from other victims. Depending on the ethics of the performer, the borrowed ring is either returned or sold on e-Bay. The Ring Finale Package comes with a genuine leather purse and three high quality costume jewelry rings. The custom made purse is composed of soft leather, and its size and shape fit comfortably in the hand and is perfect for this effect. In addition we've included a "ring hank" with a secret gaff. Ring Finale by Rich Hurley and Dean Dill is fun, practical and easy to perform. Just put it in your pocket and you're ready to go. Simple and powerful effect. I also recommend once you get this effect down you might want to add an Any Ring by Richard Sanders just to kick it up a notch.

Bling

From Adam Topham he is what has been nicknamed possibly the world's most "expensive" card trick. Your spectator selects a card, and then places the cards back into the box, you then explain that you are going to find their card in a unique way, by using a woman’s best friend -- diamonds! You place your black handkerchief into your hand and the spectator pours diamonds into your hand with the hanky. You then pass the hanky to the spectator with the diamonds inside. And at the given time they shout out their card and open their hand to reveal the diamonds have spelled out their card. The effect could be used as a finale to end your favorite routine. Your talent and imagination should also see other finales this can be used for. Everything include are Instructions explaining how to perform this truly sparkling effect. A small bag of diamonds, and everything to make this minor miracle happen. All you need is your regular deck of cards!

Tony's Tips

The Hocus Pocus Swap Meet in Photos

"Five minutes till we open"

Max and his video tape special "Deal of the day"

Mike running in a blurr and all around good guy Ken covers sales, service, security on this day!

Bobby Reynolds inspires the next generation of Magicians!

The Crowds have arrived !

Frank Thurston, Ronald Saylor and I compare the deal Frank got!

Dealers working the room

Dick Barry and I on camera for local TV performing "Rigid Hank"

Mark Wilson, Lisa, Nani Darnell and Tony

Tony, Losander and Mark Wilson

The very impressive and great guy Dean Dill performing the Dean's Triangle

Losander in action during his lecture

Our Hocus Pocus hero Louie

Checking in on a gang of Magicians at dinner in the Tower District of Fresno with Tim Mannix (right)

The Daryl Workshop on Sunday
Lots of folks learning for 2 Hours A Master Teacher at Work

One trick that blew Daryl away from this young magician

Two former Las Vegas guys finding more magic in California

Hope to see you here next year

2008-01-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Busy Week Here At Hocus Pocus

We are down to the last few days before the Swap Meet. This week so far we are getting things set up and making final touches to our dealers. As of yesterday Joe Porper and R. Paul Wilson have been added to the list of vendors. We are expecting lots of vendors and guests. So far guests to the Swap Meet will be coming from all over California, Nevada, Utah and one guy flying from New York! Last Friday our local newspaper the Fresno Bee came in to photograph Paul for the cover of their weekend magazine. What will follow will be an article about the Swap Meet and a interview with Mark and Nani Wilson. Tomorrow morning (Wednesday AM) Paul, Mike and I will be up very early to be on a local morning show. We will be promoting the Swap Meet and giving a tour of Hocus Pocus as well as doing magic live! All this and its only Wednesday so more things maybe happening to make our second Swap Meet a success. We hope to see you all here on Saturday. The fun begins at 9 AM Jan 19th and then continues on Sunday with a workshop by Daryl. It is not to late to sign up. Call 1-800-407-4040 to be part of the lecture package or the workshop on Sunday. For more information read all the information below. Hope to see you there.

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet January 19th and 20th 2008

It's almost here! Where will you be on Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, 20th? We hope to see you here in Fresno, California for the 2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together!
Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday the 19th, the doors will open and the second annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together will officially begin! Be a part of magic history where, in addition to a fantastic swap meet, there will be a fun-filled 2 days of lectures and guests, free gifts, and more!

Our lectures for this year include Suds, Jay Leslie, David Regal, Shoot Ogawa, Daryl, Losander.*Lecture fee for all 6 lectures is only $40.00*Individual lectures may be purchased for $15.00.*The Swap Meet is free to attend, however if you wish to sell your magic wares, tables are$20.00 each.*Special optional Workshop with Daryl is being offered on Sunday (11am -1 PM) at an additional charge of$30.00 per person (seating is limited, so make sure you register early to reserve your spot).

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Swap Meet 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Special Guest Lecturer Suds
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Jay Leslie

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer David Regal

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Shoot Ogawa

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Daryl

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Losander

The Water Tree Inn is only a few minutes away from Hocus Pocus and has been host to many of our past guests, friends, and lecturers. This promises to be a fantastic, fun-filled 2-day event. If you wish to participate or attend (or both), contact us toll-free at 800-407-4040 to reserve your spot! Reserve January 19th and 20th on your calendar and be sure to show up at: Hocus Pocus 1492 N. Clark, # 104 Fresno, CA. 93703.

Remember, to attend the Swap Meet is absolutely free and won't cost you a dime! To purchase tickets for the entire lecture package or individual lectures, call now at 800-407-4040. Remember, to sell your magic items, you must reserve a table. To reserve your table, call now at 800-407-4040.

Tony's Picks

The It Factor

As a student of marketing I have always learned and watched how other entertainers, and business people make a fortune. Not that I have made one big fortune but I have been lucky to keep working for the past 33 years in showbiz in one form or another. There are many books and tapes on marketing but now Brad Ross produces one geared just right at the entertainer whether your a beginner or seasoned Pro! You may not have HEARD of him, BUT you HAVE heard of entertainment giants like Disney, Six Flags Theme Parks, Holland America, Seascape and Carnival Cruise Lines... and Brad Ross has worked for all of them. He is currently on tour starring in Disney LIVE! presents Mickey's Magic Show - in it's 2nd year touring the WORLD! When the Disney show was in Fresno I was lucky enough to be asked by the local Ad agency to promote the show.

Now on to Brad Ross's "The It Factor", now you can try to learn everything on your own…try to create your own systems and promo materials…learn by trail & error (like I did). You can buy thousands of dollars worth of marketing courses and waste a lot of time and energy trying to adapt these materials to your magic business (like I did), hoping you will become a star over night. Instead you can use a system designed specifically for magicians and family entertainers that is 100% guaranteed and has already been proven to be wildly effective. Brad's system reveals how you can quickly and easily make yourself into a pro…a celebrity who has “IT.” And at the same time book more shows & make more money. It’s easy. It’s professional. For more of a description of all the CD's, Marketing Books and much more contained in the It Factor please take a moment to read the full description on the website. I only wish someone had laid out all this information when I start some 33 years ago. I would have had a big jump start vs. stops and goes in my career.

Magellan Witch Levitation

From the creative mind of Jimmy Fingers we are proud to be the exclusive dealer of The Magellan Witch Levitation. This is the ultimate portable levitation of an assistant, and we think you'll agree. The magician displays a large cloth, and raises it in front of his assistant. She begins to slowly, deliberately rise upwards until she reaches an apex of almost 2 feet above her initial standing height. The magician removes the cloth, and she is seen suspended in mid-air! The descent is the opposite of the ascension, and the cloth is again removed to show the assistant standing on the ground, in front of the magician, just as she began. This utility gimmick offers many potential uses. A rising levitation, a classic horizontal suspension, a production of the assistant before the levitation... The possibilities are only limited by the creativity of the performer. The gimmick itself weighs only 22 lbs, and yet, will support over 200 pounds.
Nothing is attached to the performer or assistant. The gimmick will fit into a suitcase. Without a case, the gimmick will fit easily into the smallest of automobile trunks or hatches. No electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical parts to fail. This is simplicity at its best! Jeff McBride was the very first purchaser of this illusion, and his insight and commitment to the art of magic are unparalleled, and his gracious support is truly appreciated by all involved with this project. His innovative spirit makes him the pioneer in simple, beautiful COMMANDO-style magic. This transaction exemplifies a perfect union of performer and concept. Please note each unit is custom built for each order. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Please also note that no case or cloth are included, as these will be provided by the performer to match their own show designs.

Exploring Magical Presentations DVD

An intimate opportunity to learn from one of magic’s greatest teachers Eugene Burger. On this DVD Eugene will help you think about your performing style, and grow as a magical presenter. We all know plenty of tricks, but how can we turn them into memorable magic? In this DVD session, Eugene Burger explores that topic, and provides specific examples—including fully developed routines that you can adapt for your own performances.
THE BLACK ENVELOPE VARIATIONS - A classic (and amazing) prediction of a playing card, explained in detail with discussions of eight different presentational approaches, including:
A DREAM OF YOU, THE DEATH CARD, THE GAMBLER’S FATE and Eugene’s favorite, INEVITABILITY. Then FADING COIN - Imagination becomes reality! Invented by Tomoyuki Takahashi, and taught with his kind permission, this astonishing routine is nearly impromptu, and truly astonishing. Eugene has invested a great amount of thought into getting the most impact out of his presentation, and now he shares it with you.
INVISIBILITY POWDER - Discover how a simple presentational premise can turn a good trick into great one. OB-SER-VO - Inspired by a Robert Neale effect, this was developed as a “message” routine for corporate performances. Over time it has evolved into one of the strongest audience participation routines in the Burger repertoire. OUT OF THIS WORLD - Years of exploring countless versions of this Paul Curry classic have led to this approach. Eugene explains that journey. Problems are solved and strengths are emphasized, and the results are both practical and impressive. So I recommend this DVD and having Eugene expand your way of thinking and looking at the magic that you perform.

Time Change

From our good friend Paul Romhany, comes what just maybe one of the best-selling items for 2008. A mind-blowing mentalist routine ideal for all close-up situations. A stack of cards with a photo of an old pocket watch is shown, the time on the pocket watch is written on the card and signed by a spectator which is then placed on a table. A wrist watch is borrowed and the magician pulls out the stem to show the hands turn freely. The spectator then takes their watch face down and turns the stem to a random time. The magician claims that the time on the wrist watch will now match the time on the signed card. However, when the watch is turned over it does not match. The performer then snaps his fingers and the card is turned over showing that the time on the POCKET WATCH has now change. The signed card is then handed out for the spectator to keep.

Tony's Tips

Real World Magic

So as we get ready to gather for the Swap Meet I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new friends. One of the reasons I write this blog each week is to try and join magicians together and share new information. This past week I have had the chance to listen to Brad Ross's The It Factor. Here is a clever young man who has taken the time to put down on CD and paper the things he has learned over the years. It is with this look at what other folks see that works for them and suggest ideas that is the key for all of us to grow.

One such thing is being able to perform on a moments notice. We are getting ready for the Swap Meet and I just ran an errand to a local carpet store. My van has my logo on it and as I pulled up these guys were reading and waiting for me to exit. So the question comes up what kind of magic do you do? Then of course can you do something? Do you have a business card? So here is where you get to shine. Folks actually asking for you to perform. I take a business card out of my wallet and quickly do a back palm (vanish) and show both side of my hand empty. Then I produce the card right in front of them. They all went freaky like when you watch Criss Angel's audiences on the street. So hopefully there maybe a gig in the future from this little drive.

Sometimes magical moments are what you make of them. Not always having a bunch of tricks in each pocket makes you think and keeps you on your toes when asked to perform. Always having a working knowledge of basic sleights is very important. I speak to alot of magicians everyday when the new products come out. First question is "Does it take a working knowledge of sleights?" I feel sometimes to many folks want everything to be push button magic and really that does not cut it in the real world. Walk into a bar or a restaurant and there are so many props ready to perform magic with. Cocktail sticks, napkins, glasses, shot glasses, olives, salt shakers and more.

Making a study of real world objects and how you can use them to make magic look natural is what really is the true meaning of "Street Magic" is to me. If you check books like Tarbell and Mark Wilson Course in Magic you would be able to learn basic sleights so that any object you touch can be magically. One thing I like to do when going shopping is to look over things you see in the store especially in the kitchen section since most of my magic is always around food and food events. This eye for detail is one that you need to start developing in the same way Charlie Chaplin looked like he just grabbed 2 folks and 2 dinner rolls and created his famous dinner roll dance scene on film. Details like this only happen from practice and lots of improv then a act happens.

I remember watching an interview with rock legend David Bowie. He said that when everyone is in the studio and music is happening if a musician hits a certain group of notes that works, he says "Do that again!". The first time was an accident, second time it just might be something. Onnce more "play it again" and then the third time its a possible song! Everything that looks natural has actually come from lots of rehearsal and practice. So my rant and tip today is to learn and know your basic sleights, take a closer look at objects and the world you live in. Pratice at home with objects that you may only ever see when dinning out. What looks like you making magic with a small toy from a child or a dinner table object may just be more amazing then a set of cups and balls. Then again an impromtu cups and balls act with dixie cups and crushed dollars bills would really kill!

Hope to see you at the Swap Meet this Saturday and Daryl workshop Sunday.

Best Wishes,

Tony Blanco

Become the Busiest Birthday Party Performer CD

So one of the performing things that every magician starts out doing usually are Birthday parties. If you have ever or still do perform them how are about becoming the busiest guy performing them. Check out Brad Ross’ Brand New Double CD on the subject hosted by Brad Ross & John Carlson. Here is a must for every part time, full time, and aspiring birthday party performer. Brad & John go in depth and talk about EVERYTHING you need to know to dominate your market and make some big bucks doing birthday parties. This is a "tell all" CD with both Brad & John who have been doing children's birthday parties for a combined total of 40 years. Think about that - a combined total of 40 years of experience, know-how, tips, tricks, and secrets. Since Brad & John are both now working in other areas of magic - they unleashed all of their top secrets for you! This double audio CD set is a guaranteed road map to birthday party success. Whether you are just starting out or you're a full time pro, or anywhere in between, this audio Cd set is a great investment. Again here is the inside information I wished I had when I started!

2008-01-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Hopes and Dreams

So I hope all of you have had a great holiday season. Spent enough time to relax also and get your batteries recharged for the New Year of bookings. I have new ideas this year for my shows and hope to share with all of you. I would also like to feature you the Hocus Pocus Customer that takes the time to read each week. Please take a moment to send me a photo and a little information about yourself and your shows. If you have a favorite tip or hint to share all the better. So this year please don't be shy to contact me at tony@hocus-pocus.com. One thing that is always going to happend is change, so please take a moment to update me to who reads this blog and what your needs maybe for me to continue sharing my Tips and Picks column with all of you.

During the time off we have added so many new magic items to the website. So tonight I will be pointing out some great hot new items but first if your in the California area don't miss out on the Hocus Pocus Swap Meet 2008.

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet January 19th and 20th 2008

It's almost here! Where will you be on Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, 20th? We hope to see you here in Fresno, California for the 2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-
Together!

Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday the 19th, the doors will open and the second annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together will officially begin! Be a part of magic history where, in addition to a fantastic swap meet, there will be a fun-filled 2 days of lectures and guests, free gifts, and more!

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Swap Meet
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Special Guest Lecturer Suds

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Jay Leslie
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer David Regal
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Shoot Ogawa
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Daryl
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Special Guest Lecturer Losander

The Water Tree Inn is only a few minutes away from Hocus Pocus and has been host to many of our past guests, friends, and lecturers. This promises to be a fantastic, fun-filled 2-day event. If you wish to participate or attend (or both), contact us toll-free at 800-407-4040 to reserve your spot!Reserve January 19th and 20th on your calendar and be sure to show up at: Hocus Pocus 1492 N. Clark, # 104 Fresno, CA. 93703.

Tony's Picks

Bonesaw

There is a certain universally-recognizable instant when the mind knows reality has slipped. Paul Harris called it the moment of astonishment. It happens when a levitation first leaves the ground. It happens when when daylight shows between two halves of a girl. And it happens just as the spectator realizes she is pulling her card straight through your finger. This is "Bonesaw." Feel the moment. A spectator chooses a card and signs her name on the face. You tear a hole just large enough for your finger and put your initial on the card as well. Two more cards, stapled together, have corresponding holes. The spectator watches as you slide her card between the others. She sees the holes aligned and you slide your finger through. With your finger in place, you show the spectator that her signed card is still trapped inside the stapled pair. You show her that the card is trapped on both the outer and inner ends ? both sides. Her card is clearly stuck between the cards and pinned by your finger. Then you have her pull on her card. There is only one direction it can go. It cuts smoothly through your finger and finally emerges. No tears. No switches. Everything in view. The card with her signature, and yours, is hers to keep.This 30-minute DVD teaches you everything you need to know, with tips and variations, to stun your audiences. Includes all the materials needed to make the gimmick, custom-sized for your hands, and perform the effect again and again. Designed by Michelangelo, "Bonesaw" is a visual in-the-hands illusion that will trap your spectators in that rare moment of astonishment.

Bob Read Collection DVD Set

This new set of 4 DVDs covers the late Bob Read's performances, lectures, talks, interviews, and booklets. Released at the 2007 MacMillan Magic Convention,this special 4 DVD set honoring the dynamic and hugely entertaining magician, Bob Read, was an instant hit.

DVD 1: Bob Read Through The Years, A comprehensive (2 hour) collection of 9 great performances by Bob recorded between 1976 and 2005 - a real insight into a great Magician

DVD 2: The Bob Read Lecture And The Private Session - The Full Bob Read Lecture (over 70 minutes) filmed in front of a live audience at the MacMillan Magic Convention 2002. This superb lecture covers Bob's theories on comedy, sight gags, plus The Bottle Production' and 'Knife through Coat' followed by a 'Private Session',that includes priceless details.

DVD 3: The Cups And Balls In Art And Lithography And The Search For Arthur Watson - Bob's fascinating hour long talk is a real joy, the footage has been greatly enhanced revealing immense detail. This is followed by his hilarious talk "The Quest For Arthur Watson" (whose material mysteriously found its way in to Sidney Clarke's 'The Annals of Conjuring'. Inspired by Gordon Bruce's discovery of some of Arthur's articles in an obscure book, this talk highlights everything that was wonderful about Bob.

DVD 4: Bob Read's Magical London, The Interview PLUS Bonus Material - Excerpts from his acclaimed 'Magical Tour of London' in which he introduces his audience to magically related historical landmarks of London PLUS an in depth interview with Richard Kaufman, in which Bob explains with great detail the Bottle Production as well as talking about comedy, timing, use of feet, etc.As a special bonus, we have included full resolution pdf files of ALL of Bob's pamphlets including Thanks to Pepys, Penultimate Cups & Balls, $100 Glass Through Table, Knife Through Coat, The Bottle Production, Transpo Tumblers, and What You Get Is What I Do. And the entire Genii feature article and interview from April 2004 plus Bob's 'Magical London' map! In detail for you to view, this boxed set consists of the 4 DVDs plus a printed booklet by Richard Kaufman detailing the contents and his thoughts on one of his all time favorite magicians.

Kikuchi Fire to Jumbo Card Fan

From the fantastic quality fire magic that is only Kikuchi comes his Fire to Jumbo Card Fan bring you! Performer strolls onstage and without a word, a flame appears from his hand. Then, as quick as a wink, the flame instantly transforms into a jumbo card fan, the flame completely extinguished! Although the effect reads fairly simply, you must see the video on the website to truly appreciate this effect Here is an effect that will capture your audiences' attention when you use Kikuchi's Fire to Jumbo Card Fan. Each unit is specially made with cards and the fire fan gimmick by Kikuchi. You also receive performance/ instructional DVD to learn from one of Japan's finest performers and teachers. So as a opening or at anytime in your show make a statement of fire, flash and magic with Fire to Jumbo Card Fan!

Flying Fifties

From John Blake comes Flying Fifties also know as "Robot Coins in a Glass" can be a instant reputation-maker for your show. The magician places a card box on top of an empty glass. Showing a half-dollar, he vanishes the coin. Holding the invisible coin, the magician appears to throw/drop the coin towards the card box. The coin materializes and drops into the glass with an audible clink! The effect is then repeated for a total of four coins dropping into the glass.

The Robot Coins in Glass was first manufactured in the mid sixties by Ken Allen. John Blake has re-released this marvelous piece of magic in a simple to use form that is totally reliable. The basic unit allows you to place a deck of cards (in a box) on top of a clear glass. One by one, four half dollars drop into the glass. Comes complete with instructions on how to vanish coins from your hand and have them appear in the glass. But imagine the other great uses for this utility device. For example if you own an Okito Coin Box, you could place four half dollars in an Okito Box. Place the box of coins on top of a deck of cards which is then placed on a drinking glass. One by one the coins leave the box, penetrate the deck and clink into the glass. This can actually be done without any cover. It is totally automated. No batteries. Simple to load the card box and sure-fire in operation. Wind up watch mechanism does all the work for you!

Magic Gremlins

Introducing Peter Loughran’s hilarious and thrilling new adventure: Magic Gremlins in a Box! The performer begins by inviting a spectator on stage to share something very unique with them. The performer introduces a small brown cardboard box to the spectator with a label on it that says Magic Gremlins in a Box. The label resembles that of the old vintage comic book ads for such things as X-Ray Specs or Sea Monkeys to name a couple. The performer begins to tell his audience that he acquired his Magic Gremlins by ordering them from an old comic book he had lying around in the attic... and low and behold this is what he received and for only $2.98 plus shipping and handling of course. He tells the spectator that the box is indeed full of Magic Gremlins, however they are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye but they are so powerful that they can lift and move objects 1 million times their own body weight.

The performer asks the spectator to stand back and hands them a pair of sunglasses to wear, the performer also wears his own pair, and carefully opens the lid to the box and a green radioactive glow emits from within, gaining hilarious reactions. The performer now places the box on a near by table and steps away as he says the Magic Gremlins can be very unpredictable if handled incorrectly. He calls over to the Gremlins to see if they are awake and ready to play. The box then begins to shake and rock from side to side and moves all by itself on the table top proving that the box is indeed full of real live Magic Glowing Gremlins. The performer states that unlike Sea Monkeys, these small and adorable creatures can actually be taught how to perform real tricks. They are so intelligent that the performer tells his spectator that he has actually taught the Gremlins how to perform not just a trick but an amazing MAGIC trick. A deck of cards is introduced and a card is selected. The chosen card is replaced, lost inside the deck and shuffled by the spectator. The entire deck is now placed inside the glowing box full of Magic Gremlins.

After some comical by-play, the performer now asks the Gremlins to also shuffle the deck, and the box begins to shake and rock sided to side etc, as if the cards are actually being shuffled. He then asks the Gremlins to search for the spectator’s chosen card. The box begins to move once again and then amazingly the box leans forward slightly toward the audience by itself and a card pops up out of the top of the glowing box. The performer takes the card and shows it to the spectator and the audience, and incredibly it is indeed the chosen card! AMAZING! But the routine isn’t over just yet.

The magician puts the card back into the box and brings out a Sharpie and says “The amazing Magic Gremlins will now sign the card for you as a souvenir”. The Sharpie is placed inside the box, and after some more comical by-play the Sharpie begins to move. The end of the Sharpie is seen sticking out of the top of the box as it wiggles around inside the box apparently as if the Gremlins are really signing the chosen card! The Sharpie then stops, and the performer asks the Gremlins if the card is signed, and then tries to take the Sharpie out of the box but each time the Gremlins move it just out of the reach of the magician, creating a hilarious interaction. “It’s so hard to find good gremlins these days,” the performer says. He asks the Gremlins to play nice, and they abide by letting the performer finally remove the Sharpie. The Sharpie is removed and the box tilts slightly forward as the card pops back out, but this time it has a signature across the face that says: THE MAGIC GREMLINS The card is then given to the spectator to keep as a souvenir. The performer now asks for a big round of applause and the Gremlins tilt the box forward once again for a final bow!

This effect comes complete with Peter’s own hilarious routine scripted with lines and easy to follow programming instructions on a CD ROM for his particular routine. However Magic Gremlins in a Box is so versatile that you can create your programs yourself and create your own routines. This electronic marvel boasts “ON UNIT” programming with out any aid of other devices, computers, software etc. All the programming is done on the unit itself. The entire trick is self contained within its own box. It is also fully remote controlled with a single button on a tiny key chain remote, and now boasts a new Pause Feature so your program can be paused during the routine, and start up again with a push of button on the tiny key chain remote that fits inside your pocket.

You can also program delays with your own time duration right into your routine such as one at the very beginning so that after you hit the button on the remote your hands will be in full view and out of your pocket when the prop actually begins to move. The label on the front of the box is stressed slightly to look like an authentic vintage ad or label from an old 1950’s comic book. Other alternatives for your story could also incorporate how this was obtained from an underground traveling flea market, or perhaps you obtained the Magic Gremlins from a shady looking drifter from a back alley in the city. The routines can be programmed to your custom and specific requirements. And best of all the unit can host more than one program so you can have it set up to run two totally different routines all together at any given time without ever having to re-program the unit between effects.

This effect can be programmed to play for a long or short time in your act without ever losing your audience’s attention. It’s small and deceptive enough to do close up, but large enough that it can be done on stage or in parlor situations, and is an absolute dream to travel with due to its small size. This is a visual and exciting routine packed full of surprises for adults and children alike. This is great for all types of performers! This prop takes virtually no mechanical skill to perform, leaving your rehearsal time for designing routines and presentations. If you can do a force and push a button then you can perform this illusion, the prop will do the rest, its that easy!

Tony's Tips

Afterthoughts and Life Lessons

When I was a kid magician in New York reading books by the likes of Frank Garcia, Slydini, Harry Loyarne. One thing I remembered when I would read Harry Loyarne's Apocalypse ways something he did after each effect called "Afterthoughts". This was his way of adding to the effect or updating the effect or just being able to comment on its history. The term "Afterthoughts" has always stuck with me since those magical "70's so much so that I have a space on my booking sheet called afterthoughts. There is a spot on my booking sheet to comment on how the show went. Time to ask myself a few questions like, Was the show what it was promised to be? Were the folks hiring you nice or jerks? Do you ever want to work for them again? Should I make sure to send Thank you letters and or ask for a letter of recommendation? Did someone at the event ask for your Promo kit?

In the afterthoughts spot on your booking sheet as well as on the back, leave all the thoughts of the gig that worked and didn't work. Even just nice stuff that may have happened after the show. Take the time after your show to remember and remind yourself about this gig in your own words. This way you can start correcting any mistakes, be prepare to have more equipment, remember to add supplies that you are running out. Any "afterthought" that comes to your mind that would only help improve you getting work. Just talking about booking sheets, I figure to give you a look at my Event Call Sheet. Below is a simple Phone Booking Sheet. This fits onto a 8x11 piece of paper. Feel free to copy and make in your own style.

Tony Blanco Event Call Sheet

Sponser________________________________

Phone _____________________fax__________

Address ________________________________

______________________________________

Event and Contact Person____________________

______________________________________

Date and Location _________________________

______________________________________

Time______ entertainment style______________

Group size______________________________

Fee_____________Give aways______________

Press Kit_________TV Media_______________

Sound System or Band______Stage____________

Special Instructions________________________

______________________________________

Afterthoughts____________________________

______________________________________

So afterthoughts are important way to look back on what has happen and what could happen to improve what you already have. Having done some TV work at News stations I have seen this type of "Afterthoughts used. After the newscasters come off the air they go over what just happened with the director and then a quick review of what is to be done for the next segments.

Keeping this concept of "Afterthoughts" in mind in everything that you do can also make you look back on things in your everyday life also. Such as folks that keep a diary, this also is a great learning tool to remember and maybe never ever do again. Sometimes you just need to step back and see what you have done to know what you should be doing in your show and in life. So a quick Thank you to Harry Loyarne for his inspiration all those years ago.

Now on to life lessons, this is a term I also have come to use for those times that after you have had an "Afterthought". Now you use what you have learned either the hard way, or perhaps someone has shared with you this becomes a life lesson and something you put into your daily use everyday. One such case as we may have all learned the hard way, is never depend on any gig to be what someone promises. This means to be always ready, extra electric cords, duct tape, plenty of time to get to the gig and set up. Any time you learn something and put it into daily use this is a life lesson.

Sometimes I would also consider sometimes calling it sterotyping when having a life lesson dealing with people . Meeting people and setting up mental guidelines how to work a room if your strolling and entertaining. If this was the airport you would call it "profiling" but here is a life lesson when it comes to strolling and entertaining. I would notice this more when I worked in Las Vegas and after awhile you could begin to guess from what part of the world a tourist was from before they even spoke. This same type reading people is a life lesson on how to always look good and not say the wrong thing to the right people.

There are many little things that go into the factor of a good performer and how to work the stage or the room. So as we start a New Year with new hopes and wishes, keep a diary or journal of things you observe and notice (afterthoughts) and things that will now become the way you go thru your day (life lessons).

If you have anything to share remember this column is for all who read it and I would love to hear from you. Email me tony@hocus-pocus.com

Best Magical Wishes,

Tony Blanco

2007-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

I hope you are enjoying the day off today and spending time with your family and friends. Today is a nice day to catch up on what happened last year. At this point I am watching lots of classics movies and just wanted to take time to wish you all a Happy New Year. Now time is closing in and just around the corner for this year's Hocus Pocus Swap Meet. Read more about it below and give me a call to set up your place for the Lectures, Workshop or a table to perhaps you'll want to sell some of your old magic stuff.

Hope to see you soon in Fresno!

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet January 19th and 20th 2008

It's almost here! Where will you be on Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, 20th? We hope to see you here in Fresno, California for the 2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-

Together!

Our lectures for this year include Suds, Jay Leslie, David Regal, Shoot Ogawa, Daryl, Losander.
*Lecture fee for all 6 lectures is only $40.00
*Individual lectures may be purchased for $15.00.*The Swap Meet is free to attend, however if you wish to sell your magic wares, tables are
$20.00 each.*Special optional Workshop with Daryl is being offered on Sunday at an additional charge of
$30.00 per person (seating is limited, so make sure you register early to reserve your spot).

The Water Tree Inn is only a few minutes away from Hocus Pocus and has been host to many of our past guests, friends, and lecturers. This promises to be a fantastic, fun-filled 2-day event. If you wish to participate or attend (or both), contact us toll-free at 800-407-4040 to reserve your spot!
Reserve January 19th and 20th on your calendar and be sure to show up at: Hocus Pocus 1492 N. Clark, # 104 Fresno, CA. 93703.

Best Magical Wishes

Tony Blanco

Tony's Tips

Well readers we have made it through another year. Did it turn out to be what you wanted as a year? How many new doors did you open

2007-12-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Hope to be chatting with all of you and I hope to hear from all of you in 2008.

Best of the Holidays to you and your family,

Tony Blanco

2007-12-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

Less then one week and counting

So I hope you have been surviving the Holiday Season so far. This past week has seen me doing a few Holiday Parties and really having good audiences. Some parties can turn out like in those in the movies when workers get drunk for Christmas, so no amount of magic would work for these parties. This year it has been nice with one company event and one family event. The company event was held at a brand new restaurant. I find out that the area that I am to perform in has no electrical outlet near by. There was a bottom up light to light up the side wall in this corner. So here is a story of going the extra mile. The owner of the restaurant ran to Home Depot not once but twice to get the proper screw in outlet fixture to change the light socket to a plug outlet. That was pretty amazing that he did this to make the party work. Then it was about setting up my new sound system and looking like a pro thanks to the owner of the restaurant and the company that hired me set up a great backdrop also. It was a fun evening of folks. Two days later off to an apartment complex club house for a party of Hospital folks. Now if anyone knows stress its Hospital workers. This was a sweet little room looking very Christmas like with a big fireplace. Lots of adults with kids so it was like one big family gathered around the fireplace to watch a magic show. Very nice and very touching evening. Got a party story to share let me know tony@hocus-pocus.com

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet January 19th and 20th 2008

It's almost here! Where will you be on Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, 20th? We hope to see you here in Fresno, California for the 2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together! Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday the 19th, the doors will open and the second annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together will officially begin! Be a part of magic history where, in addition to a fantastic swap meet, there will be a fun-filled 2 days of lectures and guests, free gifts, and more!

Our lectures for this year include Suds, Jay Leslie, David Regal, Shoot Ogawa, Daryl, Losander.

*Lecture fee for all 6 lectures is only $40.00

*Individual lectures may be purchased for $15.00.
*The Swap Meet is free to attend, however if you wish to sell your magic wares, tables are

$20.00 each.
*Special optional Workshop with Daryl is being offered on Sunday at an additional charge of

$30.00 per person (seating is limited, so make sure you register early to reserve your spot).

Since Fresno is centrally located in the San Joaquin Valley, California, between San Francisco and Los Angeles, we're so close, why not join us for our Swap Meet & Get-Together? We've even reserved special hotel rates for your convenience if you are planning on staying the night. The hotel information is listed below: Best Western Water Tree Inn 4141 N. Blackstone Avenue Fresno, California559-222-4445
To get these special rates, just mention the Hocus Pocus Swap Meet when phoning the hotel. The Water Tree Inn is only a few minutes away from Hocus Pocus and has been host to many of our past guests, friends, and lecturers.
This promises to be a fantastic, fun-filled 2-day event. If you wish to participate or attend (or both), contact us toll-free at 800-407-4040 to reserve your spot!

Reserve January 19th and 20th on your calendar and be sure to show up at: Hocus Pocus 1492 N. Clark, # 104 Fresno, CA. 93703.

Tony's Picks

Inner Change

When a spectator's marked coin vanishes without a trace, only to reappear in a nest of envelopes they were holding, they will have experienced an Inner Change. With this unique and diabolical method, you will leave them stunned! The spectator's marked coin is put at risk... but they have insurance! The valuable contents of a small envelope they hold from the start. They mark the coin, assuring the use of no duplicates. The envelope is waved over their coin, and the coin immediately vanishes. The hands are shown empty and the envelope is shown to be unprepared as it is opened, only to reveal another smaller envelope inside. This envelope has an even smaller one within. A nest of five envelopes are opened in this way until the smallest inner envelope is opened by the spectator and inside is "THE SPECTATOR'S MARKED COIN"! Absolutely amazing, it must be real magic This effect is stunning, easy, and self-contained. Simple reset means instant magic. The method is a diabolical million-dollar secret with no difficult palming, pocket work, or fake appendages. Use any borrowed, marked coin - penny, nickel, dime or quarter. You will have at your fingertips a daily miracle pulling you center stage! I know you like to perform every time someone asks to see a trick. Here's a comfortable solution for an ever-ready killer. Inner Change is a self-contained device, featuring amazing and efficient durable construction.

DMP

The future of magic is digital! DMP (Digital Magic Portal) opens up a brand new world of close-up magic to your repertoire! Imagine being able to perform predictions, color changes, transpositions, appearances, wishes, and much more with a high tech gimmick that you can take with you anywhere and fits right in the palm of your hand! Imagine what it would be like if one gimmick could add a totally new life and dimension to existing magic tricks that you may already own! Well imagine no more; the future is here! The DMP is a hi-tech, miniature, portable digital screen but what makes it unique is its size and shape. It is small enough to conceal a thumb-tip which allows you to perform several effects such as the salt pour, etc. The main gimmick is however the included CDs for both Mac and PCs. These CDs contain pictures shot or modified specifically for this effect and this size screen on this gimmick. You receive two CDs, one of which is the software for the DMP that allows you to upload your personal pics as well as the trick pics which are on the other CD. Some of the effects can be done with just the DMP but the majority will require a few props such as sponge balls, Scotch & Soda, or a thumb tip. The DMP was created specifically for magicians who may have these props in a drawer somewhere because they got bored of performing these kinds of effects. The DMP will give those tricks new life and a more modern cutting edge of technology approach to their presentation. So dust off those old magic tricks and get ready because the future of magic is here! Package includes PC & Mac compatible software, internal rechargeable battery that charges via USB cable (included), and detailed instructions and ideas on how to perform over 10 different effects! Check out the online video to see the future of Digital Magic.

Bottle Cap Levitation

From the creative mind of Wizard Wands comes the Bottle Cap Levitation! The art of levitation has been a closely guarded secret for centuries. Now you hold the secret power of levitation, in your hands! On the included DVD, you will learn how to levitate a bottle cap right off the bottle! Then spin it in mid air and watch it float up, down, to the left, and to the right. It’s up to you!!! You control its every move! When you know the secret of levitation, you can float it through a hoop you create with your hands, and then, even around your body! Amaze your friends and astound your family! The kit includes all the “secret stuff” you need to make the magic happen and this DVD shows you how to do it! Just follow the DVD along with your kit, and you will be floating small objects in virtually no time. With this kit you can float anything that weighs about ½ oz, like: coins, poker chips, candy, soda caps, water caps, finger rings, foam balls, aluminum foil, and even a $20 dollar bill.

Past Midnight DVD Set

Here is one DVD set that is burning up the magic internet chat rooms.This is the debut material by one of the best underground card magicians in the world Benjamin Earl. For years, Ben has been one of Europe's top professional performers and innovative creators. Like many of these quiet achievers, he has previously avoided magicians, conventions and all attempts to get him to share his original material. This new DVD set has three volumes of startling, original material that will surely find its way into the repertoires of hobbyists and professionals alike.

Disc One features Ben's imaginative handlings for several of card magic's classic plots. Do we need new versions of Collectors, Hofzinser's Aces and Triumph? We do when they are this eye-popping! As well as these fantastic new approaches to traditional plots, this disc also contains many original flourishes and sleights as well as all the work on Ben's 'Stroke Change', which looks like trick-photography even when you know how it's done. Best of all, this incredible change, like almost all the material on this disc, is easily within the reach of any intermediate card handler.

Disc Two focuses on gambling and card table material. As a true student of the art, Ben has been refining and advancing card table artifice for many years. The finessed handlings and methodological advances that he demonstrates and teaches on this disc comprise some of the most important contributions to this branch of card magic by a new voice for many years. Fans of 'the real work' will be delighted by Ben's decision to share these prized techniques.

Disc Three contains a wealth of Ben's mental card magic, a style which he prefers to perform these days. There are several fantastic and totally practical handlings for Think-A-Card as well as versions of Mental Poker and Brainwave that break entirely new ground. Impossible Locations and Thought Card To Pocket handlings which fool absolutely everyone ensure that the only problem you'll have with Ben's material is which tricks to leave out of your performance! Once you watch this set you will never look at a deck of cards the same way ever again.

Box of Destiny

Revealed for the first time at Magic Live 2007 in Las Vegas, an antique looking box is displayed. On each side of the box displays each of the 4 aces beautifully carved into the box. A spectator is given the option to pick a side of the box of destiny (one of the four aces representing on the box) an a symbolic area of their life). They are also given the opportunity to choose a color. The box of destiny is now opened to reveal a single box of playing cards that matches the spectators chosen color. The cards are then removed from their box and fanned out to reveal one card faced down. The card is flipped over and reveals a perfect match to the spectator's destiny card (their chosen ace). But wait; there's more: The magician snaps his fingers and changes the entire deck of cards to another color. Leaving only one card with the original chosen color on it.... the spectator's chosen destiny card. This effect comes with Box, Cards, and instruction booklet with an amazing script. Check out the online video on the website.

Tony's Tips

Well another year has gone by and I think what happen this year? "What worked? What didn't work? This is the time to look back at your show sheets and wonder,"Did I charge enough for those shows?" After all the Christmas pudding has been eaten, and the last of the wrapping paper has been thrown away or burnt in the fireplace, take a moment away from the noise and look back on your year of shows and performances. What Needs to be Improved for 2008. Do you think you did as many gigs as you could? How can you improve set up and tear down when getting from gig to gig? Start making a list of the these questions and start to go thru your props and costumes and supplies.

First off before this year is over, this would be a good time to restock, repair, or replace items in your show. These receipts can be used for tax deductions for this year. Any little extra money that you may have should be invested back into the show. Example if you wear Tuxedo shirts and some are getting worn or if you notice year end clearances in your local Tux shop now is the time to buy! Stores are having they year end blow outs, so say its time to upgrade your computer for business now is the time to buy. As a matter of fact I hear the CompUSA is closing down so here is a chance to get a bargain....maybe. Anything that you notice that you use a lot of in your show, balloons , mouthcoils, flash paper, etc. time to buy more to restock. Chances are with a New Year comes new prices on many things. So stock up, save and get ready for the next year.

So where did you get the most work from Phone Ads, Website? Time to see which form of PR and marketing paid off this year for you and which did not. If you notice lots of calls and bookings from a small phone ad, maybe this year you might want to get a larger ad. On the other hand (like I learned) if you are not getting many or any calls from your phone ad, time to get rid of it and save the money for another form of PR. Always have business cards made or make them yourself on you computer, but never be with out them. This is still the best form of advertising. Also places like Officemax and Office Depot have peel and stick magnet business forms. This way you can just you business card on to a magnet to hand out. Any form of handouts again are tax deductions for your business and don't forget to write them off.

Costumes and Clothing for your show as I mention earlier needs to be repaired or replaced now is the time to get deals on fabric and clothing sales in the stores. This year has been a bad year for big name stores and sales. Last night I went to get my wife a gift which I know and was willing to buy at a high cost. This store had 20%-60% marked on lots of clothing and things. Just means one thing folks are not spending money this year. So time to reel in savings for your act or show. Check out all the stores that you do business with for after the holiday sales. If you have dollar stores near you get ready for lots of stock to come in after Christmas. Those of you that do tricks with wrapping paper (like making Martin Lewis's Chinese Sticks) get that gold wrapping paper for a $1.00 a roll. Giveaways for your show as the dollar store are clearing out toys that didn't sell from the big stores.

Now on to what needs to be improved in your show and the way you set up and travel. Can you do this show with less set up then you do now? What can you leave at home or just can't live without? Over the years if you read this column you know me and my love for cases. Well this is will be the last time I mention the importance of getting into the gig and out. If all can fit in one roadie case invest the money in a great case. This case becomes the table top and has the drawers to organize the tricks, sound system parts, and extra supplies for the next show. One case easy in easy out of the job!

Traveling to the Gig-Something also this coming year to think about has been the rising cost of gasoline. You need to figure in miles and travel to each and every show you do. As the gasoline price goes up and the little birthday party is now 30-45 minutes away from your home each way...its time to up your show price by 10-20.00 if not more. This is not something parents really want to hear about or deal with. So to cover the sound of a higher price, in the phone sale talk up the fact of free gifts for the kids or custom made gifts or something that looks like they are getting more for the money.

What suggest do you have or do at the end of each year? Let me know at tony@hocus-pocus.com Well since next Tuesday is Christmas, I will take the day off from writing a blog and enjoy my first married Christmas with my new bride. On behalf of all the folks here at Hocus Pocus, we all wish you the Merriest of Holidays and a Very Happy New Year!

Best Magical Wishes,

Tony Blanco

2007-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

A Gift for the Holidays

Monday night we were honored to have John and Tammy Calvert here at Hocus Pocus for the last lecture of the year. John if you don't know has been performing for most of his 96 years. Yes! I said 96 years. It was a slice of the Golden age of magic having him and Tammy here. What was even cool was the fact that Paul asked me to call the local news channels. Out of 3 stations contacted 2 showed up. Both stations did an excellent telecast for the 10:00 and 11:00 news programs. Both featured an interview with John and highlights of his show. And what a show/lecture it was also. He performed cigarette manipulations (not lit but red tipped) with amazing style and grace as an opener. He then went on perform his Seance routine. Then the Lazy Magician, an act made famous by Dante and in John's version this evening he used one of the local reporters for one of the helpers. This was funny later when watching both news channels and she is filmed on the other channel's broadcast also. So as you can tell there was lots of audience participation also in the program. John used as many our lecture guests in his show which made the night even more special. John was also very clear in explaining these marvelous magical mysteries he still performs. He made everyone promise to practice before ever going out to perform any of them. One of the highlights (actually there were many) was to see his Casper routine. Here is an effect with which a borrowed handkerchief from the audience comes to life, dances and floats a bit. All and all a 2 hour event from one of the living legends of magic. All of us here in Fresno will not forget such a night as last night. I will have some photos at the end of the blog for all of you to see. Thank you John and Tammy

Tony's Picks

Spirit Card Box

A beautiful walnut box is opened and the magician removes a deck of cards. A member of your audience freely selects any card from the deck, signs the face of it and you shuffle the card back into the deck. The deck is placed back into the box and the lid is closed. The magician states that he will summon the spirits that live in the box to find the selected card. Slowly the lid opens on its own, and a single card slowly rises out of the box at which time the performer asks, "Is this your card?" The spectator replies, "No it's not." Looking shocked, the magician says, "Oh," as the card pops back down into the box quickly. "Spirits, you can do better than that. Come alive once more and make the correct card rise."Suddenly, all of the cards begin to fly out of the box in a huge fountain and as the cards are flying, the magician reaches into the stream and plucks the signed card from all the others, catching it between his thumb and fingers. "Here is your signed, selected card," he says to thunderous applause as he takes his bow. Made of the finest woods on Earth, and a limited edition which means when its gone its gone.

Shred of Evidence

Here is an effect that has to be one of the most unique and talked about routines. It is a pro's routine that has everything one looks for in an effect fun, comedy, audience participation, surprise after surprise. A volunteer is called upon to enter in a fun “game show” style game. He is told that he may win a $100.00 bill but he must be willing to loan the performer a 10 or 20 dollar bill to use in the game with the promise that he will get his money returned to him at the end. The game begins with his bill being mixed with a number of fake bills in sealed envelopes but then during the game the envelopes get shredded in a paper shredder until only one envelope remains. Uh oh! The volunteer’s bill is NOT found in the last envelope. A consolation prize is offered to the volunteer, and it is an elegant travel kit. But when it unzipped it is found to contain another bag but smaller than the first one. This is repeated over and over until a tiny zippered bag about the size of a small coin purse is produced from within. This bag is opened and the volunteer’s previously signed bill is found inside. This can be a real reputation maker for you and your show. You will not believe the impact on the audience. Comes with the nest of purses, special dice, complete easy to follow routine, a small paper shredder and regular envelopes.

Ivanish

So now in this world of "Street Magic" people want to see weird magic. What makes a trick weird or a classic of magic? It takes several components: First, you must have an incredible method that fools everyone. Second, you need an emotional hook that insures that your audience cares about watching your performance. But the one thing that really makes a trick a classic is that it gets an incredible reaction from the spectators. iVanish meets and exceeds all three components. First let’s talk about the methods: There are three methods included in iVanish and each method is totally different from the others. In fact the solutions are so different that each method absolutely cancels out the other two! This is great for repeat performances. Each method is incredibly clean. You hands are completely empty immediately after each vanish. All three methods are done standing. Of course you can use iVanish while seated because there is no lapping. Each vanish actually looks like trick photography! One of the best features of iVanish is that all three methods are really easy to perform, in fact anybody can do it! Many magicians are afraid of visual coin magic but iVanish does not require years of knuckle busting practice. You’ll be up to speed in no time at all! Second, the emotional hook that iVanish creates will guarantee your audience will be riveted to your performance. It’s simple. When we’re all kids we’ve had it drilled into our heads to never, ever put anything into your eye. Using the iVanish techniques you’ll be able to rub or shove a coin directly into your eye! People are forced to watch. Some squirm, some will wince, many will cringe but they’ll all watch. It’s like a car wreck. Everybody slows down to see what’s going on. iVanish is part geek, part magic but 100% a showstopper. I know I have posted this a few blogs back but I needed to add I learned this and it totally blew folks away! High ratings for a well made DVD to learn from without all the added "street magic images" when trying to watch a DVD. Well done Ben and Bob!

Lucky Shot

Three spectators each choose a card. By means of telepathy you try to discern which cards were chosen. Ask each participant to raise their hand as they hear the name of their card. You name three cards. But, no hands go up. Oops! No, problem. Point to an envelope on the table, which, you explain contains the three chosen cards. You remove a Jumbo Card from the envelope and show its face. All 52 cards are printed on the Jumbo Card, and you point out their cards. The spectators are less than impressed. But, you continue. Clearly you have failed to name the three chosen cards, so you tear up the Jumbo Card, then take a toy gun and shoot the card three times. Yikes! When you open the card, it has been magically restored. And, where the three selected cards were on the face of the card are now three bullet holes right through the card! Good shootin’, pardner! Contains enough material for 25 performances. Great for close-up or stage. Supply your own toy gun (or you can make a pretend gun with your fingers).

Umbrellas From Silks

The performer takes three silks from his table and then shows them one by one to be completely empty. He then proceeds to produce not one, not two, not three, but four umbrellas from the bundle of silks! After the four umbrellas are produced, a second production (of a smaller item) can be made. This version is improved from earlier models as the umbrellas can now be produced from the bottom of the silk bundle. Each set comes complete with a regular silk, a specially gimmicked silk, a regular silk (matching the gimmick silk in color) Special gimmick that does almost all the work for you. Four gorgeous and vibrantly colored self-opening umbrellas No body loads needed, everything is self-contained and the silks are fabricated from parachute Nylon as it is stronger and more durable than silk and thus able to carry more weight. They are also more smooth so the "silks" do not stick together as much as regular silks would. Here is a production number that would be great to do at any part of your show. Visual and will fill your stage with nice colors and bright look.

Tony's Tips

Being Prepared for the Big Show

As I mention earlier in the blog we had John and Tammy Calvert here last night. One of the lessons to have watched and learned from this man of magic is preparation. Traveling with such a big show (and for a lecture that says alot) you need to be reading to go. I got to be roadie, tech and soundman for his time here at Hocus Pocus. John arrived with a small trailer with all his cases and backdrops. Everything is labelled. Cases for one trick, suitcases for backdrop curtains. First thing first for his show, he needs to have his design and backdrop up. This meant being flexible to work with what space you have. Luckily the stage I built here at Hocus Pocus meant we could change the black backdrop for the one he had and actually go longer past the wings. This is important to be able to work with the space you have for the show. John mention that in Vegas for his lecture they had no way to hang his curtain so long tables were turned upwards and then the curtain hung across the top of the tables.

Traveling, you learn what I would call life lessons and Mr. Calvert had many to share. Mr. Calvert has traveled around the world with his big show and each performance has to be magical and perfect. For his 100 foot rope escape a simple large see thru file box container. This actaully adds to the performance when you see how much rope fits in that small box. It almost gets a laugh when more and more rope comes out. Tools are important as there are so many little things that need setting and repair. So having scissors and screwdrivers on hand as well as duct table are a must.

Custom cases that make packing a show a breeze, this is one thing I noticed John had for his props. Also extra packing, be it cloth or foam will make you props last longer and his props look well taken care of. So set up was rather quick and this way you have more time to tend to little things like making sure sightlines and music all go well to.

When you are working some place for the first time it is important to go over stage and music cues with the crew if one is on hand. This John took the time to tell me and teach me so his show would go over just right. We ran thru music cues which included knowing what he would say when a certain piece of music would begin or end. What was nice was Tammy wrote out the show routines and then John and I worked in the vocal to music cues.

So now we were up to about 6:00 and time for quick meal and soon the audience was going to arrive. 6:15 first reporter arrived and talk about a smooth talker. Mr. Calvert (at 96 years old) was just marvelous in chatting to the reporter. You can see her below wearing the feather boa in the show. 7:00 show time and the evening went off just well and everyone will have a great memory of seeing and meeting this legend of magic. Thank you John and Tammy for sharing with us a gift for the holidays by your apperance here.

Next up for Hocus Pocus will be our swap meet in January on two days this year, the 19th and 20th. Then in March we will have Joshua Jay here on the the 3rd. So lots already to happen for 2008 at Hocus Pocus.

Best of the Holiday season to you and your family

Tony Blanco

tony@hocus-pocus.com

John Calvert Lecture December 10, 2007

2007-12-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Holidays

Now it is December the month of Holidays for one and all. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more. Seems each year we discover more about how the world honors the winter season. This past Saturday I learned more about a local area here know as "Christmas Tree Lane". This is a long series of blocks here in Fresno that actually have tall pine trees and such and no city street lights at all. So when the sun sets here in Fresno these blocks are totally dark except for the front lights of the homes on this block. Well the first Saturday of December begins the "Christmas Tree Lane Walk". This is an event where all the folks on these blocks pull out all the stops stringing lights and doing decorations on their lawns. Then with a marching band and fire trucks the lane is open for all to walk up and down the lane to see the fronts of these homes and the magic of the Holidays in lights. As the parade of folks travel to see all the lights, some folks actually have outdoor parties on this first night. I was luckily to be hired to entertain at one of these homes and what a party it was! Warm food for the guest and plenty of spirits to keep one warm. So this was a interesting way to see how Fresno welcomes in the Holidays. What does your town do? Let me know!

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

We are now just a week away from the last lecture of the series here at Hocus Pocus this year. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing the week before. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So now it is time to start making your reservations for December 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture. Call me at 1-800-407-4040 if you wish to reserve a seat.

Tony's Picks

Umbrellas From Silks

Here is an act in itself and its all self contained. The performer takes three silks from his table and then shows them one by one to be completely empty. He then proceeds to produce not one, not two, not three, but four umbrellas from the bundle of silks! After the four umbrellas are produced, a second production (of a smaller item) can be made. This version is improved from earlier models as the umbrellas can now be produced from the bottom of the silk bundle. This comes complete with, a regular silk, a specially gimmicked silk, a regular silk (matching the gimmick silk in color) Special gimmick that does almost all the work for you. Four gorgeous and vibrantly colored self-opening umbrellas. No body loads needed, everything is self-contained and the silks are fabricated from parachute Nylon as it is stronger and more durable than silk and thus able to carry more weight. They are also more smooth so the "silks" do not stick together as much as regular silks would.

Knaves Gone Wild

From the magical mind of David Solomon comes Knaves Gone Wild. Knaves Gone Wild starts off like many other assembly tricks. That’s where the similarities end. Each Jack vanishes from its respective packet in a visual, impossible way. Spectators will rub their eyes, grasping for a solution and questioning what they’ve seen. Each vanish is different, surprising and easy-to-do. The trick’s plot is easy to follow, and in the end, the missing knaves arrive in the leader packet, safe and sound. On this DVD, you will learn David Solomon’s personal handling of Knaves Gone Wild, as well as his cleverly-constructed O’Henry Jazz Aces, an assembly with an unexpected sucker-punch ending which can be performed with a borrowed deck. A Visual effect with minimal sleights required. Knaves includes specially printed bicycle cards and a bonus effect on the DVD.

Sponges DVD

Sponge balls are simple. All we're talking about is a four-pack of 2 inch balls made of sponge. There is a reason top professionals use sponge balls when they're getting paid to perform. The entertainment potential is HUGE. When you're out on the streets. When you're working a party. When you're working a restaurant gig. If you've got sponge balls in your pocket, you've got five minutes of the most memorable and fun magic on earth. Sponge balls jump, appear, vanish, multiply. And they do it in your spectator's hands! But, your sponge balls won't do the work for you. You've got to entertain with them! That's where Noblezada comes in. Noblezada has put together a course that will take you from beginner to pro with sponge balls faster than ever before. You'll start with the basics and build toward complete routines you can do in professional walk-around situations. Along the way you'll improve your sleight-of-hand, misdirection, and all-around performance skills. Sponge balls are a classic of magic and for this reason, adding sponge balls to your repertoire is one of the best decisions in magic. You'll learn all the sleights needed to perform sponge ball routines. The teach in part fully covers all the moves. A special bonus on this DVD, go backstage to Gary Darwin's museum where Darwin teaches over a dozen techniques--retention vanishes, productions, steals, entire routines... Darwin is a legend, and this is your chance to learn from the man himself. His museum/home will knock you for a loop with his collection of magic! This package includes an instructional DVD + 4 Goshman Super Soft 2" Sponge Balls (RED).

Frog Prince

A magic gem from Dick Barry’s micro-magic series. A tiny frog, barely more than half-an-inch in length, is covered with the Joker from a deck of cards. After telling a funny fairy tale, the card is lifted to reveal that the little frog has completely vanished. To cap it all off, the once-shown Joker is turned over to reveal that the face of the Joker has magically turned into a picture of the FROG PRINCE! Baffling magic for any age group. Also included is a suggestion for an “adult only” routine. Comes with cute little frog, special gimmick, a funny frog prince card and Dick’s complete routine. You supply your own deck of cards. And as with most of Dick's routines, it is EASY TO DO!

Greater Magic Rope DVD

From the world of Great Magic comes the best of Rope magic from the Greater Magic Stars. Professional rope routines by professionals! Rope magic is one of the most fascinating magical effects in the art. Learn from the pros: Tony Binarelli, Aldo Colombini, Frances Tabaray, Joe Stevens, Shiego Takagi and Karrell Fox. These professional magicians offer beautiful, different rope routines. Binarelli, one of Italy's most famous performers, teaches two of his favorites. Aldo Colombini could make a living doing just rope magic - he is that versatile. Karrell Fox can take the most difficult routines and simplify them - as he does on this DVD with his own rope routine. Frances Tabaray is known world wide as an expert rope manipulator. Learn why on this DVD. Shiego Takagi was one of the most respected teachers of magic in Japan. His rope magic is revolutionary. Joe Stevens teaches his number one seller, the Ungimmicked Linking Ropes, on this DVD.

Tony's Tips

I figured this may have been written up too early this year for some of you to have noticed. So I am publishing it again and the story behind this Christmas (Holiday) effect I came up with this year. I hope to show you some photos from one reader who is a Santa and plans to use this effect. Enjoy again or for the first time Santa Knows!

Well here is another one of those ideas that came out of a call with a customer looking for an item. I was chatting with Doug Roberts "Potty the Pirate" from England who wanted to do a mentalism effect for kids. Now not to say kids are not smart but then again mentalism is the kind of thing where you have to understand whats real and what is not. Its not always visual magic and it tends to be more of in your head then in your face kind of magic. So I believe the magician's force is probably the best visual way to do something with mentalism for any age. Potty (Doug) had mention this was something he wanted to do a Christmas time. So with that in mind along with the magician's force here is something I came up with called:

Santa Knows!

You start out with Christmas Gift ( a box all wrapped and decorated) with a tag that says Merry Christmas from Santa. This gift is given to a child that you invite up on stage and told not to open it. Now you bring out some Holiday Items, let's say a Toy Christmas Tree, a Christmas stocking, a tree ornament, Toy Soldier, Teddy Bear what ever you like but lets stick to 5 items. Invite another child on stage and start with asking to pick two out of the five items. These are set aside. Then pick 2 more items. These are put aside. One is left. Ask the child with the gift to open the box. The child opens the box and pulls out a laminated sign. The sign reads "The child will pick the Toy Soldier because....Santa Knows! Please give them each a stocking full of goodies from me. Love, Santa". From inside the box remove two small stockings with gifts (or what ever goodies you wish to give away.
Seems pretty simple and I really think it would play big as well as it would be visual also. Now of course you need to know the magicians force for this effect. So preparation a box big enough to hold a sign (81/2 x 11 should do it) and some stockings with a gift or goodies. It would be smart to make this box one that you can use over and over again. Decorate the box and use a ribbon that you can just tie a big bow to keep the box closed. When the child opens the box all they would have to do is untie the bow. The sign you can make up on your computer, and I would make up different signs for each of the items you are going to use. This way if your doing the show in a place where you have repeat shows during the day (malls, schools, department store) the result will be different for each show. Now laminate the sign also. This way the sign will last and a clever line to use is "that the message is sealed in plastic so there is no way I can change what is written". This line has served me well in doing a trick by Max Maven. I even did a Max's trick from his Videomind series for him and he agreed that added a strong point (laminating and the line) to his effect. So I think any chance you use a card laminated this would be great.
Then when choosing objects make sure they are ones everyone knows and can relate to. The storyline is up to you but I would talk about how Santa knows the good boys and girls from the bad boys and girls. The rest I think is performance as already explained in the beginning of this routine. Now the cool thing with the idea behind this routine you can change it to Halloween and the objects can be five scary things such as Skull, Dracula doll, Frankenstein, Witch, Jack-O-Lantern. The box in this case could be a coffin with the note and wierd Halloween treats.
I just want to thank Doug Roberts for the inspiration on our phone chat to come up with this idea and using the magician's force for a fun bit of mentalism for kids. Let your mind wander how you can change this routine and let me hear what you come up with.
Thanks for reading.
Best Magical Wishes,
Tony Blanco

mailto:tony@hocus-pocus.com

2007-11-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Its beginning to look like alot like.....

So I hope your beginning to feel that holiday magical spirit and that you had a nice Thanksgiving. Now the madness begins in my life, the time of the year when doing things normally takes a back seat. To travel anywhere and to deal with the shopping crazed folks in stores and on the highway. So if you need to go shopping I highly recommend as early in the day that you can. I have also noticed a good time to go shopping is also at dinner time. Less lines and folks in the store can help you. Here is another idea to think about, make a list of what you need and where you want to get them. This way you can make a grid map of travel and shopping. The less time you are in stores during the holiday rush the better you will be able to enjoy the holidays. Here in Fresno, dollar stores and Big Lot type stores actually have stuff that you would find in the Pier One type stores. Remember first impressions are important when a gift is opened. Here is wishing you a safe and hopefully some fun when you begin your holiday shopping. What tips have you learned about shopping?

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues
We are now just a few weeks away from the last lecture of the series here at Hocus Pocus this year. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing the week before. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So now it is time to start making your reservations for December 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture. Call me at 1-800-407-4040 if you wish to reserve a seat.

Tony's Picks

Business Card-iographic

From the world of Magickraft studios comes Business Card-iographic by Brian Curry. You show an image of a deck, drawn on your business card. Slowly, and in full view, a drawing of a selected card rises from it. You then give it away as a souvenir. Business Card-iographic is a stunning promotional giveaway, that your customer will keep for years. The instructional DVD comes with Brian’s routine, which incorporates ideas from Joel Givens, Bob Sheets and David Oliver. Plus a bonus you also get Martin Lewis teaching his “Wino-graphic”routine, in which a drawing of a wineglass magically fills with the spectators choice of beverage. On the disc you will find all the necessary artwork for you to create your own custom Business Card-iographic. Using these files requires a computer running current Windows or Mac OSX and a color printer. Check out the online video and you judge how amazing this really looks! So if you have ever wanted to do Cardiographic close-up now here is your chance with Business Card-iographic!

Kidding Around 2 Volume DVD Chris Capehart

Last year was when about this time I saw Chris Capehart's Miser's Dream DVD. Here is a entertainer that just did pure magic and fun with kids. He has an amazing way of teaching you this classic routine which he has turned into again another classic the way he performs it. Well now a year later comes his Kidding Around 2 Volume DVD. On this two DVD set you will see Chris in action before a live audience of kids and adults. You will learn his way of getting kids to really be excited about magic and be part of the show. Chris shares so much knowledge and wisdom about being a performer for kids. Then comes the explanations for the effects you just saw in the show some of which include, Cards for Kids, Misers Dream (performance only),Coloring Book, Matilda and the Lota Bowl, Sponge Balls. Don't fool yourself reading the items he performs with, these are not your granddads magic props when Chris uses them. You can see that here is a man that enjoys what he does. His way of performing magic for children is a bit in your face but he does get the gigs and kids love him. On the second DVD is more of the logic of how Chris creates his magic. Last year I called the Miser's Dream DVD the best of the year. Well here is another best DVD of the year to Chris Capehart again this year!

iVanish

So now in this world of "Street Magic" people want to see weird magic. What makes a trick weird or a classic of magic? It takes several components: First, you must have an incredible method that fools everyone. Second, you need an emotional hook that insures that your audience cares about watching your performance. But the one thing that really makes a trick a classic is that it gets an incredible reaction from the spectators. iVanish meets and exceeds all three components. First let’s talk about the methods: There are three methods included in iVanish and each method is totally different from the others. In fact the solutions are so different that each method absolutely cancels out the other two! This is great for repeat performances. Each method is incredibly clean. You hands are completely empty immediately after each vanish. All three methods are done standing. Of course you can use iVanish while seated because there is no lapping. Each vanish actually looks like trick photography! One of the best features of iVanish is that all three methods are really easy to perform, in fact anybody can do it! Many magicians are afraid of visual coin magic but iVanish does not require years of knuckle busting practice. You’ll be up to speed in no time at all! Second, the emotional hook that iVanish creates will guarantee your audience will be riveted to your performance. It’s simple. When we’re all kids we’ve had it drilled into our heads to never, ever put anything into your eye. Using the iVanish techniques you’ll be able to rub or shove a coin directly into your eye! People are forced to watch. Some squirm, some will wince, many will cringe but they’ll all watch. It’s like a car wreck. Everybody slows down to see what’s going on. iVanish is part geek, part magic but 100% a showstopper. Read the full write up on our website and you decide if this is not the weirdest magic effect that you have been looking for.

Magic Land of Allakazam DVD Set

As a kid watching magic on TV there was only one name I knew. Actually two but they were said as one big name in my young mind it was always... Mark Wilson and the lovely Nani Darrnell. This began my world of magic each week which was the history making Magic Land of Allakazam which was the first network television magic series. Allakazam debuted October 1, 1960 on the CBS Network and aired every Saturday morning on CBS for two years, then switched to the ABC Network. Now all 24 shows of this legendary television venture can now be yours to own. If you order your set be sure to check out the free bonus gift offer that comes with all 6 DVD's. This is a special while supplies last. Each DVD includes a full color inserts with your favorite photos and original run-downs. Each Saturday morning, Allakazam aired until December 26, 1964. Starring Master Magician Mark Wilson, beautiful Nani Darnell, the incomparable Bev Bergeron as Rebo the Clown, Allakazam features a sparkling supporting cast of Basil the Baffling Bunny, Charles the Charming Chicken, Doris the Daring Dove, Gertrude the Glamorous Guinea Pig and Bernard the Biggest Bunny in the Business! The half-hour shows include fast-paced openings ... magic with the children in the studio audience ... comedy magic and clown gags with Rebo ... sleight of hand sequences ... audience participation ... magical commercials ... and major illusions. The shows were shot "live" and recorded on the CBS Television Recording System (35 mm black and white film) for later broadcast. Soon, all of the ninety-eight different Allakazam shows will be professionally transferred to DVD. The first 24 are ready and are being made available to magic collectors for the very first time on DVD. The cartoons have been eliminated, but all the magic is there.For the first time on DVD, see the "magic" that made The Magic Land of Allakazam a 5-year network television hit. Don't miss your chance to own these DVD's magic moments of time that were Mark and Nani.

Tony's Tips

Well to my surprise I just got this email from Paul Romhany and its for all you readers of this blog. Enjoy Paul's tales of working the cruise ship market. Paul is one of the nicest guys in the biz and is always busy. This is an honor that he spent time to write this article for all of us. Here is Paul, and your

Never too old to Learn New Tricks

For the past few months my wife and I have been busy working in Europe on cruise ships and no matter how many years I've been a full time magician or been working on cruise ships the one thing I have discovered is that you never stop learning or experiencing something new. This is what keeps you on your toes and makes for such an interesting life.

These past few months have certainly been interesting and full of surprises, some wonderful and some I could have done without.
One of the greatest thrills about working on cruise ships are the wonderful places you get to visit. A few weeks back we were fortunate enough to be on a ship that went to Israel and we took a trip to Jerusalem and Nazareth. It is times like these that make me realize why I am so lucky to be doing what I do and visit these breathtaking places. I have lost count of the all the countries we have now visited, I always have to ask my wife if we’ve been here or there, she has a great memory for that sort of thing. We are both history and culture buffs so when we get the chance to visit ancient ruins or as we did last week Malta and Egypt we make the most of it. To us this is what cruising is all about.

I get many emails from people the world over asking how I go about creating my ideas and routines. One of the great things about working on ships is that you are exposed to a lot of different cultures and ideas, these in turn spark off some pretty crazy ideas, most of which never see the light of day but are in my notebooks I take with me. Working on ships enables me to regularly work on some of those ideas, film them and watch and study each performance. I am fortunate that my wife travels with me and films every show I do. This is the best advice I can offer to anybody wanting to work on a routine. Film it as often as you can, watch it and be VERY subjective. If you have somebody who can give you honest feedback, both good and bad, then ask their advice. Don’t be scared to ask people you respect in the business for advice, but be prepared to ‘take’ it. I know most of us only want to hear the ‘good’ but if you want to rise to the top then listen and take in what others tell you. Because of our travels we are able to immerse ourselves in other forms of entertainment and ‘life’ such as theatre, music and other production shows. These all help the creative juices flow.

I mentioned at the top of this article about a few surprises. Just when I thought I’d seen it all things like this happen. I write this just to let those magicians out there know that working on cruise ships is not all about glitz and glamour and drinking Long Island Ice Teas.

Three weeks ago my wife and I got off one of the largest ships sailing, it is a lovely ship and great cabins and the theatre is state of the art. I had six people working on lights, sound, stage manager and so on. We then flew to Rhodes where we joined a ship that was by far the WORST we have ever sailed. Actually it was over 40 years old and at one time was a car ferry!! My agent did warn me but he didn’t go in to detail, it came as a real shock to the system when we saw it, especially from where we had come.

The stage was actually a dance floor with people directly above me, behind and to the sides. There was no way I could perform my full act. They also wanted me to perform four different 20 minute show. I only had my full 50 minute show with me so ended up doing routines I hadn’t done for years. About 1/3 of my full show had to be cut because I couldn’t perform it under those conditions. To cap it off our cabin was only 5 foot by 10 foot. It was so small we could not put our bags in there!! We were on there for two weeks and it felt like I had gone back in time 30 years. My agent, like all good agents, told me I was a real professional and would be able to handle it. By the end of the contract my wife and I were ready to jump ship! The agent is getting a phone call this week.

While on that ship we received an email asking us to fly back to the big ship we had got off as they had a charter cruise and my Chaplin act would be ideal. We would only be on the ship for two days but the money was great so we decided to take the gig. We flew through the night (leaving at 9am and arriving at 6am the next day to join the ship), arriving at the ship exhausted and wanting to sleep. I then find out I am working that night, PLUS all the passengers on this cruise are from Thailand and NOBODY speaks English. One third of my Chaplin act is in English as I do some comedy and put on my make-up. I ended up spending the rest of the day working on 15 minutes of new material with new music to come p with a FULL 45 minute non-talking act. I am pleased to report it went over very well and everyone was happy but what an adventure. I had not slept for two days and the day after the show just crashed.

As I said, you are never too old to learn new tricks and no matter how many years you’re in show business you will always find life is full of surprises. I always like to look at the positive side of things and certainly these experiences turned out for the best as I realized I have enough material to do a full evening show as Charlie Chaplin without speaking, opening up a lot of new doors around the world for me to work. It also has enabled me to invent a few new routines that will no doubt eventually end up on the market for magicians.

For those interested in seeing some of my work then be sure to check out youtube. Just type in my name: Paul Romhany and you’ll find me performances.

All the best
Paul Romhany

Paul, Thank you so much for sharing with all of us told you he was a cool guy.

Well I hope to hear from you (reading this) when you get a chance, and you would be featured on this blog. Be Safe and be happy this season.

Best Magical Wishes,

Tony Blanco

tony@hocus-pocus.com

2007-11-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

The Magic of the Holidays, ARE YOU READY!

Seems like this year has just gone by so fast. I wonder if as you get older you tend to say that more? Hmm. Anyway last night one of this year's highlights was to see Billy Joel perform live here in Fresno. Now here is a performer that I have know of since I was 11 years old. Now I find out that is exactly our age difference he is 11 years older then me. Billy Joel is 58, and still rocks the house along with a catalog of music that is the soundtrack of my life and many folks. Lisa and I actually won tickets from a local radio station which meant we had noise bleed seats...lol. Actually between the tron screen which is used during basketball games and our seats we had a great time. One highlight for me was watching the tron screen and a camera set-up right next to his keyboards. Just watch his fingers run the ivories was like watching the best sleight of hand magician showing off. As for songs to see and hear Root Beer Rag performed was just fantastic. I actually used to do a 3 Ball juggling routine to that song.

Well this week we all look forward (or not) Thanksgiving Day. If your not the one cooking all day here is a time after the Macy*s Thanksgiving day Parade to begin to get ready for the next month of madness. First up, shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I cannot believe some stores are now opening at 4 AM to get you to shop early on Friday. I actually look forward to those last minute gigs and crazy weather...hmm it just says Happy Holidays to me. Let me now what you have been up to for this Holiday season and we can feature it in the blog. Send me pictures or a little write up. It was nice to hear from a magic Santa that is actually going to use the "Santa Knows" routine I came up with. If you missed it, the routine was featured in my October 16th blog. Check it out for your Holiday show.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

We are now less then 1 month away from the last lecture of the series here at Hocus Pocus this year. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing the week before. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So now it is time to start making your reservations for Decemeber 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture. Call me at 1-800-407-4040 if you wish to reserve a seat.

Tony's Picks

Pop-Card

This sweet sign card to impossible location effect will have your audience salivating for more! An audience member is asked to select ANY card and sign their name on the front of the card. The card is then lost into the deck. The card magically vanishes from the deck.
After various comical attempts to find the audience members signed card in the deck the magician finally gives up. The magicians hands a Pop-Tart® to the audience member as a sign of good will for helping out. As the magician bites into his Pop-Tart®, a surprised look comes over his face like he just bit into a rock.
He pulls the Pop-Tart® away from his mouth to reveal a card inside the fruit filling in the middle of the Pop-Tart® (yes, it is ACTUALLY INSIDE of the Pop-Tart®). The beauty of POP-CARD is in its simplicity, as very little preparation and skill is needed to perfect this amazing effect. POP-CARD is one of the most unique "card to impossible location" effects on the market. On this DVD you will see POP-CARD performed in a restaurant and then you will learn how this amazing visual effect works. POP-CARD is perfect for stage magicians, street magicians, restaurant workers and strolling magicians. The instructional DVD supplies everything you need to know to get started to perform POP-CARD. Alternate handling and ending included, No difficult sleight of hand required. POP-CARD can be learned in minutes, Packs small, plays big and provides a shocking climax. Any card may be selected (a true free choice) Easy reset, and may be repeated with a different card.

Neat and Tidy

A jumbled mass of rubber bands instantly snap together to build a neat and tidy rubber band ball that can be dropped on the table or handed out to your spectators. Neat & Tidy is perfect for any rubber band routine. It creates a stunning effect out of the 'down time' moment when you introduce your rubber bands to the audience. As well as providing 'magic along the way' Neat & Tidy can act as both an opener or closer for your routine! Neat & Tidy is visually stunning, a great way to end any rubber band routine. Is this easy to perform? Yes! Neat & Tidy comes with a special device that does all the hard work for you. If you can hold a mess of rubber bands in your hand, you can perform Neat & Tidy. Wayne Fox teaches you in detail, walking you through the method and presentations, then concentrates on the little details, tips and variations, that can raise your presentation of this effect to the best it can be. Will I need to buy or make anything else? Nope, Neat & Tidy comes complete with everything you need. Not only do you get the special high quality device and a mass of rubber bands that do all the work, we also include the handmade rubber band ball, saving you HOURS of work putting your own one together. The angles are perfect, it's an instant reset, the rubber ball is examinable, no pre-show set-up is required, and its been tried and tested 'in the trenches'. The ball also makes a perfect chop cup load.

Mental Frisbee

At last, a mentalism opener that fits in your pocket and can play to hundreds of people. This is the perfect tool for magicians and mentalists who sincerely want to add some comedy and strong mind reading to their act. Over the past few years whenever Nathan Kranzo shared this routine with a fellow performer they would immediately ask if the effect was available. You see, the laughter and visual color this routine creates makes it so unique and commercial that you would be silly to not want to perform it. Here are a few reasons why it might be of value and interest to you. It’s the perfect opener, which is PRICELESS to the professional performer. It packs flat. VERY flat. The routine involves a ton of audience participation. You fill up the stage WITHOUT an expensive illusion. The routine plays just as well for 30 people as it does for 3000. The effect is funny AND strong mentalism. The use of Frisbees gives the routine unique appeal. The routine includes a full professional script for you to follow. The routine is full of comedy to put the audience at ease.

And that’s just the beginning of the knowledge that is shared in this routine. The BIG SECRET about Mental Frisbee is how Nathan used it to set up other classics of mentalism. He even includes the exact routine he follows up with including great ideas from David Hoy, Ron Wilson, and David Ben. MENTAL FRISBEE contains important timing and performance techniques that will help you command the stage, develop a rapport with the audience, and make you look like an amazing entertainer.

Five frisbees are tossed out into the audience. Whoever catches a Frisbee is asked to join the performer on stage. The performer explains that the people who caught the Frisbees may seem random, but are in fact not. Adding to that he explains that certain people “attract” particular colors. The “law of attraction” if you will. As each person approaches the stage the performer gives a hilarious comedy reading to them regarding their color. As a finale the performer explains he will test an audience member to see if they can read the performer’s mind. A sixth volunteer is asked to try and read the performer’s mind and “receive” the thought of color the performer is trying to send him mentally. After a little humorous banter the volunteer finally announces the color that has popped into his mind. To the complete astonishment of the audience the performer proceeds to show that indeed the volunteer is correct in his “hunch”. As proof the performer reveals his prediction to be 100% accurate!!! You will receive the complete Mental Frisbee manuscript detailing the VERY CLEVER SECRET TO THE EFFECT, the detailed handling, presentation and framing of the effect, plus additional thoughts and ideas that can be added to the routine. Within this manuscript is also the complete script which is packed full with all the comedy lines and audience management. You will also get Nathan’s follow up routine that he performs after Mental Frisbee with ideas from David Hoy, David Ben, and Ron Wilson. This manuscript is signed and numbered. A certificate giving you full performance rights and TV rights. The FIVE special soft frisbees. These frisbees are made from special material that enables them to fold up and fit in your pocket. Each frisbee comes with it’s own very small nylon pouch.

Art of Levitation Part 3

At last, the Master of Levitation, Losander, brings you the Art of Levitation Part 3. Losander has created several new thread systems using elastic thread. With this DVD you will learn how to float and animate light objects. Some of the effects you will learn are: Floating bill based on a new thread system, Perfect Balance teaches you how to animate a business card, Dancing Wand, Losander also shows you how to build your own Wand, Genii in the Bottle, Shoot over a banknote, Self contained Dancing Handkerchief Routine, New Levitation system for Bubbles. Special features include Losander's famous version of The Zombie, based on a new designed gimmick. This DVD includes elastic thread so you can begin your lessons right away! You will not believe how much knowledge and information is packed in on the Art of Levitation Part 3. This is a must have DVD for your magic collection.

Jester's Gambit

The magician brings out a container and removes a small pewter jester statute. He explains that the jester has made a prediction. Three cards are then placed directly in front of the spectator. The magician asks the spectator to choose a card with colored dot on it. The spectator picks a card. The magician shows the jester's prediction and it matches the card. Comes complete with special cards, small jester, and detailed instructions. A very simple and yet clever idea that could lend itself to any number of bizarre magic stories. It also can be a straight performance of the Jester's prediction, but once you learn the method you will come up with more routines.

Tony's Tips: Some ideas to Grow on

We are you going in your magic career? Don't know? This is that time of the year I like so that I can sit back and get a little reflective. If you have a good core of friends or family that believe in what you do, maybe a little Q & A with them to find out what they like about you, your shows and maybe even hear from them in what they envision you as you perform. It is so great that even after watching Billy Joel and seeing a 58 old rock musician perform, I can still see the rock and roller he was 30 years ago. He still has that spark that inspires and the motivation to make his own kind of magic! What is the motivation that inspires you to create a new show or learn a new effect.

Here are a few ideas that might help you to keep "the little grey cells" always working to come up with new magic.

Each day try to learn a new trick. Simply said when folks are always busy but even if you watch one trick a day from a DVD by the end of the week you will have learned 7 new tricks.

To practice them is another story. Break down the trick to its basic core. If it is a trick with lots of patter see if you can learn the patter on the way to work driving and getting stuck in traffic. Make a recording of the patter and listen to it on your car radio or ipod. This way your still practicing and learning.

Take a topic or a idea and enter it into Google. I call this "traveling down the rabbit hole" others call it "surfing the net". Either way by doing this you can learn alot on a subject that you have an interest in then open more knowledge from one idea to an other. I look at Google like the new encyclopedias of the online world. When you do this "Google search" don't forget to also click on Google images also. Some recent searches have included Medicine Show, different movie stars, a movie title this way I get the information for most of everything I want to know ASAP on the subject on hand.

Coming up with ideas is as simple as knowing the basics of what ever your interested in. Make sure that if magic is your career you know the proper sleights and terms. This way coming up with a new routine from an old ideal is much easier. Make sure you know what the magician's force is, know how to also force a card in a few ways. Make sure you know all your counts so that you can come up with a new packet trick. Learn and remember the basics

I have mention my collection book of ideas before but I always like to remind folks about it. Here you get a loose leaf book (larger the better) and then get a box of those plastic pages. Put the pages in the loose leaf book. So when your surfing the web and printing out ideas or tricks now start saving new information. See something in a magazine (copy the picture) or tear it out save them in your book of ideas. Building a library of books like this can also give you a source for future shows. Also it is not a bad idea of having one of these books as a keeper of the instructions that come with new magic you purchase. This way you are organized and if you ever sell your old magic you still have the instructions to sell with the trick.

Ready Set Go about your props and clothing. Once your done with your show reset and clean props that need to be cleaned as soon possible. This way your set for your next show. Organize your case and always empty your pockets of tricks after shows. Cleaning costumes and clothing after your shows also means your ready for those last minute gigs. Also if you are someone that works at a regular job and your show is at home and you get a call for that night. Make sure members of your family know where everything is so perhaps they could bring your props and meet you at the gig, if time does not allow you to go home in time.

Setting up a regular schedule for learning, repairing, cleaning and promoting your show and yourself will be the way to make more shows come your way. Again I think having a good video camera and a good core of family or friends that can be honest and tell you when something works or doesn't is also important when you can't afford a director to watch your show.

Any suggestions from you? What have you learned that might help all of us be the best magicians we can be. Let me know for a future blog. Well from all of us at Hocus Pocus I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Stop a moment and think about all that you have to be Thankful for write it down and then think what else would I like to achieve in my career

Best Magical Wishes

Tony Blanco

tony@hocus-pocus.com

2007-11-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

The Show Must Go on!

Last week I gave you a tease about me doing another Biker event. Well the weather has finally changed here in the central valley of California. Sunday morning we wake to see a rainy day, this on the day of the Rally in the Valley Biker Show. With some new magic and a new sound system I began to wonder how much of a show I would be able to do that day in the rain. Upon arriving to the stage area I find everyone setting up as if nothing was happening. Very cool the show does go on. Rain was actually starting to stop but the day still looked overcast. This event I had the pleasure of working with two new talented dancer/models, Kristen and Kelly (photos to follow). We did notice the turn out was a bit thinner then last time in May but that was the weather and could not be helped. Show must go on! During the day the ladies and I did 3 shows. Since last time the zig-zag had a new paint job. Also I used a new small production box to produce Kelly from, I was actually surprised by the great reaction from the audience.

Then yours truly was the MC for (get this) a Tattoo Contest. There were different class levels of the Tattoos i.e. Best Arm, Best Leg, Best Harley-Davidson Logo etc. It was my job to bring the folks to the stage introduce them to the judges and then get the scores to the folks adding up the scores. It was a sight to see and to believe me where some of the tattoos were on folks body's was not always a pretty sight. Overall between the weather and the wacky folks in the contest it was truly a fun day. Lots of great custom made motorcycles to see and the show must go on! Check out the pictures below of the event. So what did you do this weekend? Let me hear about your shows for this blog!

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

Tony's Picks

Ultra Visual NightShades by Paul Harris

You borrow a dollar and draw a tiny pair of ink sunglasses over George's eyes. You cleanly showed both hands to be absolutely empty, then hold the bill by its extreme edge. There's a moment of silence...then suddenly the shades come to life! The drawing of the glasses visibly leap off George's eyes and up to his forehead!

The astonishing animation of the cartoon shades happens in full view...with absolutely no cover of any kind! The borrowed bill is immediately handed back for examination...the shades are indeed permanently inked onto George's furrowed brow.

Easier, cleaner and 100% more visual than the original Improv Nightshades
Use any borrowed bill
No Plaming
No switches
Instant reset
Perform surrounded
Works with most foreign currencies that have a face
Draw a head with shades on a piece of paper or business card and do the exact same effect

Paintball Prediction

This effect was recently featured on television and was a huge sensation for the live studio audience. A spectator is invited on stage to participate in a demonstration of psychic power. The magician dons a protective vest, jacket, mask, and gloves. He hands the participant a paintball gun and instructs him/her to fire 2 to 6 paintballs at him, hitting him wherever she wants. After she has finished shooting the magician, he picks up a sealed envelope from the table, opens it up, and reveals a target that correctly predicted where on his body the balls would hit! For magicians who do not wish to use a paintball gun, there are other versions included, using different props. Paintball Prediction is set to go with target, envelope, and special gimmick. To keep the price low you supply your own Paintball Gun.

Big Bag O' Blitzen

Just in time for those holiday show comes Mike Bent's Big Bag O' Blitzen (well Rudloph actually). Big Bag of Bliltzen is in stock ready to ship. You can begin your routine by having a spectator come to the stage and perhaps get the audience to sing Rudloph the Red Nose Raindeer. In doing so reach into a small bag and pull out a big red sponge nose and plush reindeer antlers. Place these on your helper. Magically, the bag turns into a beautiful 36" reindeer silk with your helper now becoming the reindeer. Mike Bent's Big Bag of Blitzen is supplied with reindeer silk, Blendo bag, sponge nose, plush reindeer antlers, and Mike's full routine

Andy Comic Cups and Balls

BACK FOR A LIMITED RUN! WE SECURED SOME MORE!

From one of Australia's busiest performers, Andy Comic comes his Cups and Balls set. Andy has put together the ultimate Cups and Ball set up an incredible savings to you. If you ever wanted to perform the cups and balls, this is the best introduction to this classic of magic. The Andy Comic Cups and Balls Kit comes complete with a really nice set of jumbo copper cups (3.74" high and 3.82" wide ) large enough to hold a nice sized apple or orange. Also you get 4 balls (one is magnetic), 3 fake fruit final loads, Chop Wand (wand with a magnet inside) and a Special Floating Wand gimmick. Now if all this was not enough you also get a Cups and Balls performing pouch and Andy teaching all basic and advanced moves you on video. This is a once in a lifetime chance to get a complete act ready to go... well once you practice. Truly a marvelous set of Cups and everything you need to get started. Once we sell out thats it, so don't

Letter to Santa

Here is another effect in time for all of your holiday shows. Letter To Santa has all the right stuff and it gives the audience the warm fuzzies to boot. A special mailbox adapted for magical use is introduced. On one side the sign reads "North Pole" and on the other side it reads "S. Claus." You can tell the audience that Santa himself is letting you help him gather cards and letters. Open Santa's mailbox and remove a list or letters that you read to the audience. Then produce a rabbit OR other items from inside. After the mailbox is shown empty you can produce a rabbit for the kids. The letters in the box could be the holiday bonuses that the boss wants handed out. First you produce a trophy for the best employee then hand out the bonus envelopes. Get the idea? Then produce the P.T.O.s awards from inside and pass them to the winners. Hey! Sometimes a customer wants you to produce a puppy at a birthday party. If he is the size of a rabbit, you're in business. Start with one rabbit up front. Make it disappear then reproduce a second matching rabbit from inside. Tell them that Elves up to their old tricks. You can produce a spring rabbit then put it in your Duck Bucket and it magically turned into a real rabbit. Lots of presentations are possible. Letter To Santa is made using a steel bodied mailbox. It also features special vinyl graphics on both sides. The gimmick and interior of the box is flocked black, making a perfect Black Art illusion. A wood base is added. Attach your own flange and mount everything directly to a table base instead of using an entire table.

Tony's Tips

I recently mention about booking shows and some things, ideas that have worked for me. Here is a view from one of my readers and Hocus Pocus customers King Chapman (pictured to the right). As there are always two sides to a story here is what King says about booking parties for 1 year olds. Thank you King for sending your views in for all of us to make the choice to book or not to book these type of shows.

Dear Tony,

Congrats to you and your lovely bride.
We should all be so blessed to find the love of our
life. As always I enjoy your blog. I think that when a professional shares many get into the
right or wrong mode. That is to say they take each nugget and place it into the category of "this is right" and "that is wrong". I think it is more of perspective. Which leads me to the thoughts you shared on one year old parties.

I regularly do them. In fact where I live there is a very large population of folks from a certain foreign country that is known to celebrate one year old birthdays at restaurants with a banquet. Further most magicians find dealing with this particular situation difficult. I have another subset of wealthy folks who have parties for one year olds as well.
Mostly babies, a few toddlers and a smattering of pre schoolers. So I play to the adults and make sure the kids enjoy. By way of perspective they might have a cake that costs $750 to $1000!

So I formulated a way to sell, perform and succeed at these shows. Like you said ask all the questions first. Then charge knowing what all the haggles are. Some of these parties have huge built in haggles. So I charge accordingly and have a show that works for this crew.
First I make sure the hosts understands that my entertainment is a celebration of the one year olds life-not a party for the little one like when they are 7 years old. Further I tell them I will entertain everyone from the children through the adults. Most of these shows have 20-40 kids and 50-150 adults.

Lastly I charge them like I would for an adult show-not a kids show. Period. There is no negotiation of price available-and these groups love to negotiate. (Please understand I have custom shows including ethnic music, flag tricks from the country of origin and am the house banquet magician at many of their favorite restaurants.) I know I charge more than others they will contact. In fact I tell them they are welcome to call others. If I have down an adequate job the gig is booked. I regularly do these gigs and am well known for it.

Are they a lot more work than other gigs? You betcha. So charge and schedule accordingly.
I never begrudge others who prefer no to do these gigs. In fact I am glad they don't!
However I would prefer they not tell clients that magic is not appropriate for these gigs.
It is simply that their magic is not and therein is a huge difference. I know of a fairly high profile kid show performer who says he doesn't use animals because it is cruel to the rabbit or the birds to use them in an act. Privately he admits it his way of avoiding the hassle while looking politically correct.

My view is that he is spreading misinformation that those of us who use animals are somehow abusive. Something a fellow pro and brother magician ought not to do.
Please understand I am not slamming your thoughts or your blog. It is great!
You were very clear that you qualify your clients and tell them what you do.
I am simply weary of the calls where they start out telling me that some other magician said that magic is not appropriate at such and such an event.

Again-great blog.
Congratulations.
May this love between you two grow and blossom and be ever refreshing for you both.
Pax.

King Chapman
Magic At The Speed Of Life!
http://www.kingofmagic.com/

Once again King, thank you for sharing with all of us. Now we go from performing for babies to working with Biker Babes. Here are some of the photos from this weekends gig.

To see more photos go to myspace at and click the photo section: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=40572549

2007-11-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Fall Magic in the Air

Again its that time of the year for leaves to fall, pumpkins in the door way and time to shop for a big turkey on sale. This time of the year can be most magical as it is also the change of times and seasons which create an effect on the planet to hopefully be a lot nicer this time of the year towards each other. This weekend saw your humble writer with two interesting gigs. One of which I recommend you check out in your area. This was a gig for the Children and Family Services of Fresno, the folks that place kids for adoption. This was a giant picnic with musicians, bounce houses, food and of course magic. Here is an event that truly reaches to the child in all of us and how much you can give to a child who has no family. During the day 30 children were placed with parents and now have a place to call home. So I would contact your local group and they just maybe having such events for the services of magicians and clowns. The next day after all that carnival like atmosphere found me in the home of folks just celebrating a combined day of birthdays in the family. Imagine almost the same carnival atmosphere from the day before only now for about 15 people (4 or 5 were kids) this made for such a nice magical storytelling/comedy magic show in what was a truly wonderful forest type setting in this home. This weekend coming up its all about the Bikers and my magic show again. Tune in for those pictures next week.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

We are now just about 1 month away from the last lecture of the series here at Hocus Pocus. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing the week before. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So now it is time to start making your reservations for Decemeber 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture. Call me at 1-800-407-4040 if you wish to reserve a seat.

Tony's Picks

Insta-Cube

There are many variations of this effect, but with the Insta-Cube, you can give the puzzle out at the end of the trick for complete examination! The "Enchanted Cube" created by Craig Nichols in 1980 and marketed by Daryl in 1998 has been vastly improved! Effect: You explain to your audience that the Rubik's cube is a very difficult puzzle. You can solve it without the rules! However, the best you can do is only one white line of the puzzle. You show it to your audience. But remember -- you are a magician!You throw it in the air where it visually solves itself! You show that it's completely solved and you immediately hand it out to your audience for examination! Insta-Cube is visual magic at it's best! Perfect for parlor, stage or closeup performance. Don't pass this one up, order yours today!

Brian Geer's Knife Thru Coat

For years, the Knife Through Coat effect has been a classic of comedy featured in many magicians' acts. Many versions have been marketed: some good, some not-so-good. The handling issue was always a concern with many performers. Now, professional entertainer Brian Geer has come up with what we feel is the finest, most practical Knife Through Coat we have seen in years! The effect is simple and straightforward: The performer displays a matted paper frame and hands it out for examination to the spectators. An "X" is marked on the paper, and the magician then borrows a coat from the audience. It is held outstretched by the volunteer and the magician proceeds to puncture the material of the coat as the blade of the knife is seen poking through the paper, however, completely out of range of the "X." No problem. The magician then proceeds to saw and cut his way down to meet the "X." The look on the spectator's face as this is done is priceless. Have no fear, though; the knife is pulled through the paper (and it is completely whole -- there is only one knife used), the paper is removed, and the coat is seen to be completely unharmed! With Brian's method, everything happens smoothly and without any awkward movements. Everything is logical, and it makes for a comedic routine from start to finish! And the best part is the price! You get all this magic and audience involvement for the low, low price listed below! Supplied complete with matted frame, knife, detailed instructions, and DVD explanation and all this at an incredible low price for such a powerful effect .

Make it Magic Christmas

From the creative folks that gave us "Make it Spooky", Arthur and Leslie Stead present MAKE IT MAGIC CHRISTMAS CD. This CD will give your shows that professional dazzle and set you way ahead of your competition. Imagine over one hour of wonderful holiday music in a variety of different styles for your Holiday shows. Perfect for warm-up music to feature music for your show. "Make It Magic Christmas" includes well-known Christmas songs and catchy new Arthur and Leslie Stead originals which have been arranged in the Christmas Spirit to charm and entertain your audiences. Some of the pieces of music on this CD are Santa Says So, Merry Mambo, Joy To The World, A Precious Gift, Candy Canes, Sing, O Sing, Jingle Bells plus 11 more tunes.

Aldo Colombini Magic

Hocus Pocus is proud to carry the newest line from Aldo Colombini. He is a F.I.S.M. prizewinner, one of the most prestigious awards in the world of magic. He performed often on Italian television (RAI 1) and has also appeared on television shows in Portugal, Spain, Japan, Colombia and Sweden. Now Aldo and Rachel Colombini has released a new series of magic effects and booklets all within the price range of 10.00. Aldo is one of magic's creative guys and now with effects like Dig-it, Not-Gone, Sorcerer's Stone, Zodiac Code, Stage Presence, The Adder Potter's Pentagram you can get great magic for stage and close-up at a great price. Aldo also has new booklets some titles include: "Your Host for Tonight", " Cut above the Rest", "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere" and "A Set-up with Aldo book". Just type in the name Aldo in product search to see some of these many new and great effects from Aldo and Rachel Colombini.

Influence 2

From the creative team of Larry Becker & Lee Earle comes Influence 2 which is an anytime, anywhere, any card miracle. Spread a shuffled deck face up on the table. Someone thinks of a random playing card - value, color, and suit - and writes those thoughts on the back of a business card you hand him (for example he writes 7, black, Spades). You square the deck and leave it face down on the table. Next, he is asked to dial the toll-free number printed on the card (any phone can be used) to connect with a friend - a corporate executive, who moonlights as a numerologist. When he reaches her voicemail (she always seems to be out of the office) after the standard "Leave your name and number," she adds, "The destiny card and lucky number for today are: the 7 of Spades and 35 That's when you ask your participant to deal down to the 35th card - it's the 7 of Spades! You get a supply of professionally designed full-color business cards, illustrated instructions, and (although it's not required) a bonus of a Demon Deck which is a $35.00 value.

Santa Rudolph Story

Displaying a silk depicting Santa by himself on his sleigh, the performer begin this tale "It was a very dark night. In fact, Santa was glad when he finally made it back to the North Pole. But Mrs. Claus quickly pointed out to him that he had forgotten to take some presents with him. When he looked over in the corner he knew at once that they were Bobby's presents. 'Oh, my,' said Santa. 'I have to deliver these presents at once. He called for his elves to load the presents into his sleigh and then quickly got into the sleigh himself only to realize that the reindeer had been put into their reindeer stalls. "'This will never do. But I don't need all the reindeer," Santa says. Placing the silk inside the change bag, you say the magic words, and pull it out again. This time the silk displays Santa along with his pal, Dasher. "I'm afraid,' said Santa, 'that it's a little too dark for you and I to do this run together. You can go back into your stall and finish your dinner." Place the silk back into the change bag, and when it is pulled out once more, Santa is depicted in his sleigh along with his red-nosed pal, Rudolph. "We only have one stop to make,' said Santa with a big smile on his face as he saw Rudolph's nose lit up. It took no time for Rudolph and Santa to reach Bobby's house. Down the chimney he went with his bag full of presents and then back into his sleigh and Rudolph took him safely home." Three silks which come with the effect. Then you need to use either a change bag or Tote Bag or Xmas Stocking Change Bag and let the holiday magic begin.

Tony's Tips

Booking Shows "The Telephone Call"

I find it amazing that over the years the way a phone conversations start when someone wants to book a show. It could start very sweet by someone asking if you entertain children to HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE? Either way you always have to be ready for the tone of the voice and not answer right away but ask questions back first! In the case of How Much do you charge? Never give a price right away, ask questions like "Where is the show going to be held"? Travel will add into the price of your show. Never get stuck not charging enough. Also when asking about the location of the show, this would also determine the clients location in regards to income and what you can charge for the show or if you even want to take the show if it is dangerous part of town. One perform I knew used to have a map of his area on the wall and would have number of $ signs in the different towns on the map knowing which were the rich folks lived. It actually not a bad idea to have a map in the room in which you do your bookings so that you can determine mileage while on the phone with the client. Remember by asking questions first you get all the information to give the client a proper price for them and no surprises for you.

Another thing to remember before answering what your price is to ask the size of the audience before giving a price. This can also help set the length of your time at an event. Example when a customer says they are having an open house party and want you there for 4 hours and only expect 100 people or less. It is my job to say that maybe 1 hour and a half would be more then enough. Nothing more boring then to be somewhere when you have 40 people to entertain and you still have 3 more hours to be there.

The minute you pick up the phone it is your job to sell your talents but not bore the person with everything you have ever done. Time to time folks ask who you are or what you have done or where they can see you perform. Be ready to answer them by naming 3-4 top clients that the customer would know, if possible having a website with a video of you in action is also a plus. I have both ready and now a third, a restaurant where I can be seen doing my magic and stuff, 2 nights a week. This again gives you props in the eyes of the spectator that you are a working professional when they are calling you cold out of a phone book.

Also before giving a price, if it is for a kid show ask the ages of the children. Here in Fresno I get alot of calls for folks that want to have a birthday party for a 1 year old. Well that is just to young for me unless I know the rest of the kids will be older or if the party is really going to be for the adults. Then and only then would I book the show. Nothing sillier then doing a cut and restore rope with a baby...kidding.

A booking sheet by the phone is always a plus to help remind you of questions to ask. One important question to ask is how the customer heard of you. This will help let you know if you are running a ad somewhere like the phone book or a children's magazine if you are getting the proper pay back from the ad. The most important lesson in booking a show is to listen to what the client is looking for in entertainment. If they don't know be ready to help and suggest the right services that you may provide. If you don't think your the type of entertainment they are looking for then be able to suggest a clown or puppet show or bounce house. This way they will still remember you when they really will need you.

Just a few telephone tips from years of booking shows but I still have a lesson or two to still learn every time I pick up the phone. Beacuse you just never know what or who will call and what they need.

Thanks for reading,

Best Wishes,

Tony Blanco

tony@hocus-pocus.com

2007-10-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

A Magical Weekend

So I left off last week telling you about Lisa and I getting married (Below are pictures). Before I took the day off on Friday, the Hocus Pocus family Paul, Betty, Jan, Karen, Ken and Mike threw a surprise wedding luncheon for us. Lovely gifts and great feelings for Lisa and I on our big day. Thank you very much gang, Lisa and I were surprised and honored!

Then Friday I took off from work to get the wedding papers taken care of in downtown Fresno. Then it was off to get food, the wedding cake and more food. After a bit of confusion (and I am being polite about what happened) with not having the person who plan to make the cake, make the cake. We found a Spanish Super Market and I mean super! Make us a two layer 1/2 sheet carrot cake in 30 minutes. They saved the day. Off to Costco for more food. A couple of days earlier the guy (Kent) that runs the motorcycle events I perform at hooked us up with coffee pots, tables and all sorts of kitchen stuff to serve food. Thank you Kent! Then it was early Saturday morning (5 AM) to set up tables and chairs. The wedding was called for a 10:00 but we had a rehearsal at 8:30 called for. The day turned out wonderfully and you can see by the pictures that we had a Celtic style wedding. Nothing more then lovely words said and a traditional jumping over a branch to step into our new life together. Again many thanks to everyone for all your kind words and help.

Tony's Picks

Don Alan's Magic Ranch

The name Don Alan will go down in magic history as one of the most creative performers and inventive entertainers. Don was one of the guys that was there in the beginning of alot of firsts in magic, trade-shows, nightclubs and television. Now witness Don Alan, magician and his complete Magic Ranch television series now available on three fully search able DVDs. The thirteen episodes of Magic Ranch from 1961 contain Don Alan close-up gems like the Chop Cup, Stack of Quarters, Flying Eagles, and many other classics of Don's blend of magic and comedy. Don featured some of the best in the business at the time including Jay Marshall, Al Flosso, Jack Gwynne, "Senator" Crandall, Karrell Fox, Richard Himber, Neil Foster, George Johnstone, James Reneaux, Johnny Platt, and many more. One of the best parts of these DVD's is an interview with Eugene Burger (one of Don's early devotees), Magic Ranch stills and outtakes, long-lost footage for the Alan's Alley show, and an early Don Alan TV performance

Heiny 500

From the creative mind of Karl Hein comes Heiny 500. Here is a DVD that in one day I must have written orders for over 30 of them. You the working pro know a good thing when you see it. Which is my way of saying, yes it is on the website for your to view. Here is one of the most visual money effects ever as five $1 dollar bills morph into 5 $100 dollar bills. Don't believe what you see. Then here are what the working pros are saying "Heiny 500 is the best *#@!!% money effect I have ever seen." --Chris Kenner. "Karl made a good trick into an amazing one! The difference is now I use it all the time."-- Bob Sheets. "Who introduced Karl to Harry Potter? This effect is REAL magic!"-- Daniel Garcia."This is the best handling of Pat Page's Easy Money anyone has come up with, and I've seen them all. It's better than Hundy 500, Slow Burn, Foreign Exchange, 3-D Cash, or any of the others."-- John Lovick. So with all those recommendations I will add mine which is to say "This is a fast hot seller and don't miss out on this one!

Royal Fantasy

One of my favorite memories of magic is watching Harry Anderson on TV. Now you can perform a visual stunner that Harry Anderson used to blow away millions of television viewers. Harry would always perform so of his best card effects in way jumbo cards. Here now are a standard size version of Royal Fantasy is perfect for close-up entertainers. Show four playing cards - all Kings - and place them one at a time onto the spectator's waiting hand. First, the King of Hearts, then the King of Spades, King of Clubs, and King of Diamonds. Remember, each card is individually placed onto the spectator's hand. Without any further work, all four kings instantly change into four spot cards of different values. Only four cards used! Nothing added or taken away. No specially printed cards. So here is you chance to look sharp and smooth the way a good card man should

Dragon Puppet
Here is a dragon puppet that will truly impress the neighbors. With all the current rage of Harry Potter and Wizards here is the perfect partner to have to help make your magic work. His mouth opens and closes, head is separate from the body for amazing realistic movement. Just check out the amazing detail. The dragon tail has wire inside so you can pose it any way you want. In fact, you can even wrap it around your arm. This puppet is perfect for the magician, children's entertainer, ventriloquist, clown, MC, strolling performer etc. This puppet is an exceptional value and we guarantee that you will be impressed with the quality and detail.

Werry's Miracle Disk

Werry experimented for six months on this trick, until he produced a masterpiece of modern close-up magic. Not a trick in the usual sense of the word, but a SUCCESSION OF SUCH UNLIKELY EFFECTS, that you must have seen "Miracle Disc" (former called Bewitched Disc) to believe the description. Just read what the audience sees: The magician places a little wallet on the table in front of him and takes out of it a clear round disc of transparent plastic, which has a large bright red spot on each side. EFFECT 1: After the magician has shown the disc on both sides, he covers it for a moment with his empty hand, which he immediately draws away to one side. The two red spots on the front and back of the disc are now bright GREEN! - and the magician's hands are EMPTY, except for the disc. EFFECT 2: The performer shows the disc on both sides, covers it again for an instant with his empty hand, moving the hand almost immediately away to the side. The 2 green spots are now YELLOW! EFFECT 3: The artist taps against the disc with his finger nails. Right away the UPPER SPOT ONLY turns green again! EFFECT 4 AND 5: The disc is laid in the left hand in such a way that it is quite clearly seen which color is uppermost. The audience are asked, "Now, which color is on top?' Let us say the answer is "green". The magician opens his hand slowly and shows that the YELLOW spot is on top. This effect is repeated. EFFECT 6: The disc is in the left hand again, so that it can be seen which color is uppermost. "Which color is on top?" asks the magician smilingly. "Green" say the audience. But perhaps one sharp-witted chap says "yellow". "You're WRONG", says the performer "now it is BLACK" And yes, - there is a black spot on the disc. EFFECT 7: "I'll do it again, so that you can see it clearly", says the magician and for the fourth time he places the disc into his left hand. Then he asks, "Now then, what's on top now?" There is a doubtful silence. He opens his hand - and the disc isn't there, it has VANISHED! "Obviously you haven't been keeping an eye on it, else you would have seen that I slipped it into the wallet as I touched it just now!" The magician brings the disc out of the wallet. EFFECT 8: The magician taps the disc with his finger nails again and the spot on the other side is BLACK! EFFECT 9: Suddenly both spots turn BLUE! EFFECT 10: Once more the magician covers the disc for a moment and when he jerks his hand sideways, as at the beginning, the 2 spots have turned WHITE. And his hands are quite empty except for the disc. With this the performance of the "Bewitched Disc" would be at an end, if there wasn't a yet more staggering climax to this staggering routine. Effect 11, the CLIMAX: Modestly, the magician puts the disc on to the table and looks at the audience, who immediately rush to give the disc a thorough examination. But the only thing they discover is a GOLD "Query" Mark (?) on the white spot, which poses an other question to the audience. Is that enough for one effect or what?

Tony's Tips

This week I am featuring some of our customers that have sent news of their careers and a suggestion or two for your shows. First from the Massachusetts area Matt Roberts.

Matt Roberts is perhaps best known for his performances as "Magic Matt," on the national television series, Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld, currently on over 120 PBS stations in the U.S. and on military bases around the world on the American Forces Network. As a regular cast member, he continues to create and perform new, themed segments of the popular show that brings his magic to millions. Matt is also an award-winning actor with professional stage credits, Matt holds a B.A. in Theatre and has performed in 31 states and 13 countries.

I recently returned from a two-month theater tour of Asia. Before leaving the U.S. I learned that, while working in the Philippines, I would have the opportunity to make a special visit to a youth center in the middle of a squatter village. Hundreds of families live in really awful conditions there and rely on this community center for free clinics and activities for their children. Bringing some fun to these people is what magic is all about, so I was excited about being able to help.
The unique performing conditions and the somewhat treacherous trip to the village made bringing a traditional road case impossible. The search was on for a pack-small, soft-sided, durable, lightweight bag that would look good and hold about 30 minutes of material. I ended up stumbling upon a very handy little “lunch box” from Eddie Bauer that is perfect for all of those shows where you can’t (or just don’t want to) bring lots of stuff…and it’s less than $20.
*Check it out: http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?cm_cg=T347&product_id=31229&.rand=disabled If you look close you can see the bag Matt is talking about in the photo to the right in his hand.

Matthew Johnson here from Vancouver, hope you are keeping well. You ran the story about me being in the Nationwide TV commercial as a magician, I am sure you remember.

Anyways......I thought you may be interested in a crazy friend of mine by the name of Justin Kyllo. He lives just around the corner from me, here in Canada and when it comes to Halloween he is a NUT! When he is not running his competition catering company (http://www.smokeandbones.ca/) he is the proud owner of a haunted house that was voted as the "Scariest House in Vancouver" last year by CTV news. He has had more newspaper articles and press coverage than I care to mention and does it all for the community and the food back here in Canada. Usually he raises about $10,000 worth of food every year. Everyone coming to the house does not have to pay a dime they just have to bring a food donation.

I know what you are thinking.....great but what does this have to do with magic?

Well I have been up there in the wind and the rain for the last 3 weeks helping to build this incredible display and this year I am going to be in the haunted house performing some creepy magic like "Knife through arm" to really freak people out.

I hope that your readers will feel inspired by the pictures I am sending of the haunted house and by reading this letter in two ways. One I hope it inspires creativity and a will to strive to be inventive and think outside the box. Two, here is a guy who has no movie set training but has created something from scratch that helps to raise money for a great cause, something we (as performers) should all work towards. Sometimes the moments we take to give back to the community around us are the greatest moments of all! Justin Kyllo is a very clever and artistic guy who is the king of giving back to his community with no personal gain. He also happens to be a little bit of an amateur magician and would love to get into magic more.

On a second note Justin has helped me build & design props for my own act and in the next five or six months we will be collaborating together to bring new effects to the market based on original ideas of mine. Judging by Justin's work I know the new stuff will be great!

The shots I am sending you were taken in the day for clarity. For anyone in Canada passing through Vancouver, BC the Haunted House (http://www.magicshow2go.com/) is at 1920 Casano Drive in North Vancouver and will be open on the following days :

Friday the26th of October 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Saturday the 27th of October 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Sunday the 28th of October 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday the 30th of October 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Wednesday the 31st of October 6:30pm to 10:30pm
The times and details are posted on the blog page at my website

Be prepared for a terrifying experience of sight, sound, smell with a little bit of gory magic thrown in....you won't be disappointed!

Tony and Lisa's Wedding Pictures

Tom Jorgenson w/LisaONG>

Lisa and I Bert, Carmine, Lisa, Me, Mike and Tom

A sit down in the morning sun after the Wedding

2007-10-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat

I hope your weekend was busy. This was a back to back event weekend for me. Nice thing is the weather was wonderful for each outdoor event. Lots of great ideas came to me out of these events for future Tony's Tips. It is always an interesting time of the year when you see folks get dressed up for Halloween. The idea of becoming someone else even for just a few hours is such a magical release. So to work even with non-pro entertainers at an event makes them almost seem like pro's when they get to pretend during a Halloween event. In the past I would run away from "local" type events but more and more folks have learned a lot from watching movies and TV. Some of these local productions now really are wonderful events to walk in and stand in front as the feature entertainer. Anytime you can help make the production of an event look professional always let folks know of your skills and talents. It could only make your show or appearance go smoother.

This week is the final count down to Lisa and I getting married on Saturday. We have planned a very simple and yet Celtic wedding to happen in our backyard. Again I hope the weather stays as nice as its been. I hope I can share some pictures with you in next weeks blog. So many last minute things to do so if the blog is short today forgive me.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

Hocus Pocus upcoming news is we thought we were done with lectures for the ye ar until we got some amazing news. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So I would mark your calendar for December 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture.

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet 2008
News for those of you who were part of last years swap..we are doing it again and now for 2 days. First day Saturday January 19 will be like last year, dealers and lectures oh my! Then the next day Sunday will be a special hands on workshop with none other then Daryl! I just wanted to wet your appetite a little. We will have some of the folks who were dealers last year back again including Dick Barry, Suds and Mark and Nani Wilson. I don't want to tip to much just yet, but do lock down the weekend of the January 19 and 20th 2008.

Tony's Picks

Here are some effects that I have chosen that I would use in my shows.

Ultimate Card in Bottle Trick

As performed by Cyril on Japanese television, this is a a mind-blowing stunt wherein a signed card from the audience appears inside a genuinely sealed plastic bottle of water or iced tea! The magician selects a volunteer from the audience to choose one card from a deck of cards. The card is then signed and returned to the deck of cards. Then, the volunteer shuffles the cards by himself. Next, the magician takes out a brand new sealed plastic bottle from a paper bag and proceeds to wrap duct tape around the bottle. Then, he explains that when throwing the deck of cards in the air, he will hit the cards with the plastic bottle, and the card which has been signed by the volunteer will stick to the bottle. However, instead of the signed card sticking to the bottle, all the cards drop to the floor. The magician explains that it was due to hitting the cards too hard. Then, peeling off the duct tape from the bottle, the signed card has magically appeared inside the bottle! Just about any plastic bottle can be used Comes with 30 special gimmicks Give the bottle to the spectator as a souvenir Comes with detailed instructions and instructional DVD.

Optical Wallet

Two cards are shown in a little transparent wallet, let's say the nine of clubs and the jack of hearts. You take the jack out of the wallet and show it around before placing it face up onto the hand of a spectator. Then you take the second card out of the wallet (the nine of clubs) and you place it face down over the jack of hearts which still openly rests on the spectator's hand. You say that you are going to visually pass the nine of clubs through the jack. No sooner said than done, you turn the nine of clubs over and believe it or not: it has vanished! The card is now totally blank! "But where is the nine of clubs?" you say pensively as you scratch your head. Then a sudden inspiration comes to your mind and you invite the spectator to turn the jack of hearts over. The spectator does so and discovers to his big surprise -and to everyone's amazement too - that the nine of clubs is printed over the back of the jack of hearts! The cards are immediately given out for a close examination. Strong points: Easy to do, is self-working, you do not make any suspicious moves; everything is handled in a very natural and casual way. Optical Wallet does not use the classic systems that everybody knows such as the Himber principle, the double pocket, etc. Imported from Europe Optical Wallet is the best of its kind.

The Devil of a Bar and Book

The Devil Of A Bar And Pub is known to readers of Linking Ring, members of the exclusive Shadow Network and elsewhere. The Scribe has long written reports about the goings on of this pub, and the peculiar cast of characters that frequents it. Those people are the alter egos of a veritable Who's Who of the magic, bizarre and storytelling world! Who are they and who is The Scribe? Well, that has never been made publicly known... Until now! Yes, in addition to over 60 of the scribe's reports - in addition to never before published reports - in addition to reprints of the Linking Ring Pub specials, here you will learn the identity of the Scribe and his cohorts! We will tell you that editor and co-publisher of Oracle Magazine, Larry White is the head of this group, and the rest is a Who's Who of the storytelling, bizarre and magic world - but to find out WHO's Who, you'll have to own the book. This is a very exclusive hardcover collection of storytelling, bizarre and psychically entertaining magic together for the first and ONLY time. This dust jacketed hard cover book is 383 pages and is sure to become a collector's item.

Hathaway Rising Cards
Hathaway’s remarkable contribution to the rising cards trick has become a classic of its genre. This astonishing effect is not only deceptive and practical but highly visible too, making it most effective for stage or parlor presentation. Three cards rise up from an examined jumbo deck which is inside a clear houlette suspended on ribbons held by you and a spectator - under seemingly impossible conditions - yet totally under your control. The self-contained apparatus is both sturdy and attractive and built to Martin Lewis’ exacting standards. This is the quality you have come to expect from Martin’s Magikraft Studios. Included is an instructional DVD by Martin Lewis, showing a live performance for an audience of 700. Martin explains in his clear and informative manner the working details and variations which “sell” the effect to the audience. And he should know, the trick having been in his act for over 30 years.

Motivational Silks

Tricks using silks have long been a favorite of magicians. They pack small, are colorful and many provide a strong effect. The Motivational Silks are all of the above but in addition they fit into almost any performance situation. He is an idea how this routine can play. "Recently I started doing a classic of magic involving two silk handkerchiefs which are tied together. As I was just tying them together someone from the audience shouted at me and said If you were a real magician you wouldn't need to do tricks with handkerchiefs, you would just make money appear! That is what the man said ... and so I did!" With the last word a large $100 silk appears between the first two silks!

The Motivational speakers of today that use magic effects to illustrate what is said opens doors to a very well paid field of entertainment Here are two ideas on how to use this trick in such way. Use the silks to represent two important character attributes: Wisdom and Diligence. If we are willing to work hard, but also understand that we must work smart, that is where we find the pay-off! (As this is said the two silks are tied together and at the end the large Dollar silk appears between them). Use the silks to illustrate the sales department and the production department. Both can not be without the other. Sales do not help when nothing is produced and the best production does not help when it is not sold. However, when the two work together (tie silks) there is a huge payoff (make Dollar silk appear). So you can see by the above examples this is a very versatile trick that plays well in many different venues. You receive two 24" silk in different colors (colors may vary in your set) and the large $100 silk (36" x 14").

Tony's Tips

Over the past two years of writing this blog, I hope that you have gotten some ideas for your shows and looked at how you perform your shows. I have talked about bookings, give aways, roadie cases and much more. I hope to continue writing this blog but as I ask each week I would like to hear from you all. I have opened this blog up to having guests such as Bill Abbott, Jeff Hobson, Paul Romhany, Whit Hayden, Robert Baxt, Tim Ellis & Sue Ann Webster.

These pro's have shared tricks and tips for you. Just recently in this space I have profiled some of the folks that make and sell items to Hocus Pocus, but now its time to hear from all of you the Hocus Pocus family of customers. I would be happy to profile you with your photo and hope that you could send a bio or even a tip or suggest. One such customer was Damon Reinbold, he was nice enough to also suggest a routine from his lecture notes of bizarre magic.

Now I know not everyone is a writer of books or lecture notes, but you have had to come up with something over the years you think is a cool thing in your show. This would be the time to be featured for your creative talents. I also know that the world of magic can be very protective of its secrets but I figure if I can come up with ideas and my friends can share with you then its time for you to be featured and heard in this column.

Right now I wish to again Thank all those who have given their time to send articles, tricks, routines and advice from years of performing to make this blog work each week. In the coming months I hope to have more of my Las Vegas friends share with you there knowledge but I am asking you to join in. Any topic, any pictures, even a question that sparks an answer for a article in this part of the blog. Any thing you want to send! This blog is for all of you who read it .

Hope to hear from you at tony@hocus-pocus.com. Thank you....time to get more stuff for the wedding.

till next week

Best Magical Wishes,

Tony Blanco

2007-10-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wizards, Little Critters and Goblins

This is your count down week to Halloween. Have you gotten you shows lined up? Props ready? I hope so. This week I am performing as a Wizard, Zoo Magician and Real Estate magician. First it will be off to the Tea House for a Harry Potter style evening of magic, treats and tea. This will be so great as everyone is told to come in costume for a ballroom full of Wizards and muggles. Then again I get to entertain at our local zoo for "ZooBoo". This will be an evening of kids roaming the zoo in costume, visiting the animals and then the grand costume parade. Sunday finds me going to help sell homes (not actually doing paper work) by entertaining at a brand new home development. This Halloween/fall event will feature radio stations, cooking demo's, landscape ideas and of course homes for sale. You see how magic could be used by so many smart marketing folks. So there it goes a full fall weekend. Next weekend for those of you who don't know (which I think will be all of you) Lisa and I are getting married on Saturday 27th. We are planning a nice simple wedding in our backyard, so here is hoping the weather is going to be good this weekend and next.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues
Hocus Pocus upcoming news is we thought we were done with lectures for the year until we got some amazing news. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So I would mark your calendar for December 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture.

A New Hocus Pocus Website

If you have not noticed this week the Hocus Pocus website has a new look and new features. One of the features that is very cool, is signing up for an email notice of what are the new items that Mike has posted that day. This feature is on the right hand side of the screen just below product search which was also moved to the right. Sign up and at the end of the day a email will be sent to you. Another feature now is when looking at the website you will now see right away which products are non-discountable when ordering during a sale. Also featured is a Holiday magic section link click on the bottom left. Check out the great Holiday items and Paul says we have Santa Hat Tears for the first time in two years. The website is still adding more features and fine tuning, so if you have suggestions or ideas we would like to hear from you.

Tony's Picks

Real Ghost

Ever since the premiere of Real Ghost at MindVention 2006 the underground buzz on this outstanding effect has been phenomenal. In fact Christopher Taylor was approached within minutes of his performance with an offer to sell the TV rights (he did not choose to do so)! By utilizing Real Ghost, Christopher has created the finest and most hands off version of PK Touches we have ever seen! Real Ghost can be used in a number of ways to create numerous outstanding magic, PK, mental & bizarre effects.Please check out the online video and be amazed and begin to wonder how did he do that. Real Ghost comes complete with the Real Ghost Unit and a password that will allow you to download the video instructions and gain access to the Real Ghost users forum. Here is what I have told you about certain magic products and this is true for Real Ghost. The Real Ghost units are going to be produced in limited quantities.

Spongeball Eyes "The Eyes Have it"

In time for Halloween, this routine is hilariously funny, and Steve Marshall is performing this professionally in his nightclub act. Welcome to the wonderful world of eyeball magic! It is one of the lesser-known areas of magic. With these sponge eyeballs that Alan Wong has created you will be able to create many different kinds of ‘eye-popping’ effects. Some of you may choose the creepy crawly route. Steve and Alan have both chosen to go the comedy route, and the included routine contains more than a few corny jokes. Whichever direction you decide to go, we know you will have lots of fun, and get great reactions from these eyeballs! This package comes with a set of four sponge eyeballs and the full routine!

Here I go again

From the hardest working man in magic Bill Malone (chant it out loud Bill Malone) come his newest set of DVD's Here I go Again. Bill's first DVD set, “On the Loose,” is considered as one of the greatest magic collections ever released. Now from Bill, comes magic that is truly the most entertaining magic ever caught on DVD. With everything from self-working effects to advanced sleight of hand, this incredibly funny series offers something for everyone.
Here he shares it all—the presentations, the secrets, the tips and touches that come from years of experience, plus discussions on business that will help bring your magic career to a different level. Remember this is the guy that travels the world doing trade shows, company dinners, hospitality suites and his entertaining winning personality wins everyone over. Some of the effects from this 3 DVD set include: Autographed Baby Gag! - A great opening for any stand-up act. Rub-a-Dub-Dub / Cups and Balls - (With Special Thanks to Phil Willmarth) Worth the whole price of the DVD set. There are tons of great effects on these 3 DVD's check out whats on the DVD's from our website. Now for me on each of the DVD I enjoy Bill's Tips: Taking It to the Next Level, Situating Yourself in the Right Place, Secrets to Increase Your Quick Wit Abilities. Putting Together a Stand-Up Show, My Trade Show Pitch, Drilling a Good Show Into Your Head, Following Up With Your Clients. Restaurant Magic — The Owner’s Point of View! How Much Should You Charge, Dealing with Meeting Planners. Here now are real world ideas from years of experience that only Bill can passes along to you. These DVD's are again going to become classics. One of my customers called today ordering this DVD set. He was so excited about a new Bill Malone set, it was like Christmas came early for him and it will be for you too if you get Here I go again.

Shoot Ogawa Collection

Last January, Hocus Pocus held it's first swap meet and we had many highlights during the day. One of the most talked about was the amazing talent of Shoot Ogawa. During his performance/ lecture he blew everyone away with his skills. Shoot Ogawa has been performing since he was 10 years old and been featured on every major network in Japan. Now a regular feature performer at the Magic Castle as well as around the world. From cards to coins to thimbles and his most famous effect the Ninja Rings, Shoot performs and teaches on DVD's. We are honored that Shoot has chosen to let Hocus Pocus be his exclusive dealer of his fine products which include his DVD's, Manipulation Thimbles, Manipulation Cards, Ninja rings and much more. Check out the Shoot Ogawa section on our website. You can find a link located on the left of the screen.

Light Before Your Eyes

From Jay Mattioli comes a complete routine that is elegant, enchanting, and entirely entertaining! Standing center stage is a tall, living room style torch lamp. The magician enters, turns the lamp on and the magic begins. The magician then produces a silk, waves it around and in a blink, the silk vanishes! At the same moment the lamp goes out. The magician tips the lamp toward the audience, revealing the vanished silk inside the sealed light bulb! The magician removes the bulb from its socket, removes the silk from inside, and replaces the bulb in the lamp which causes the lamp to again light up. Then, the magician holds an ungimmicked 36" x 32" foulard spread in front of the lamp when suddenly the audience sees the entire lamp begin to levitate! Yes, while still lit, the lamp levitates right to left, up and down, and even turns horizontal in mid air. The visual sight of this very tall torch lamp floating around freely is mind boggling and utterly shocking! Finally the lamp comes to a rest to a wonderful round of applause Special features to this product is you can do a liquid to light bulb instead of the silk. The gimmicked bulb is water tight. You can perform this in many venues from a large stage to the living room floor. Jay supplies the lamp, bulb, silks, vanishing gimmick, foulard, cases, and best of an instructional DVD. The Light before your Eyes packs into two cases; one hard-shell tube 4" round by 33" long, with a shoulder strap; one padded briefcase 18" x 13" x 6". We thank Jay for coming to us to sell his great concept only to Hocus Pocus.

Anti Gravity Cloak

From the wacky mind of Woody Pittman comes his Anti Gravity Cloak. Imagine being surrounded, suddenly, you begin to rise over 12 inches off the ground, floating from side to side. You can gently return to earth and remove the cloak. The magic is just that simple and an amazing illusion comes with everything. The Anti-Gravity Cloak, carrying bag, hand-crafted from quality materials. The stabilizer that makes the magic work can easily support up to 275 pounds. To make everything more clear you even get a DVD of Woody explaining his self-levitation in complete detail. Here is the best part, there are no additional parts to buy or make! So those of you with a need to float or perform a self-levitation this is that great, wacky one that you have been looking for.

Tony's Tips

Well here is another one of those ideas that came out of a call with a customer looking for an item. I was chatting with Doug Roberts "Potty the Pirate" from England who wanted to do a mentalism effect for kids. Now not to say kids are not smart but then again mentalism is the kind of thing where you have to understand whats real and what is not. Its not always visual magic, it tends to be more of in your head then in your face kind of magic. So I believe the magician's force is probably the best visual way to do something with mentalism for any age. Potty (Doug) had mention this was something he wanted to do a Christmas time. So with that in mind along with the magician's force here is something I came up with called:

Santa Knows!

Seems pretty simple and I really think it would play big as well as it would be visual also. Now of course you need to know the magicians force for this effect. So preparation a box big enough to hold a sign (81/2 x 11 should do it) and some stockings with a gift or goodies. It would be smart to make this box one that you can use over and over again. Decorate the box and use a ribbon that you can just tie a big bow to keep the box closed. When the child opens the box all they would have to do is untie the bow. The sign you can make up on your computer, and I would make up different signs for each of the items you are going to use. This way if your doing the show in a place where you have repeat shows during the day (malls, schools, department store) the result will be different for each show. Now laminate the sign also. This way the sign will last and a clever line to use is "that the message is sealed in plastic so there is no way I can change what is written". This line has served me well in doing a trick by Max Maven. I even did a Max's trick from his Videomind series for him and he agreed that added a strong point (laminating and the line) to his effect. So I think any chance you use a card laminated this would be great.

Then when choosing objects make sure they are ones everyone knows and can relate to. The storyline is up to you but I would talk about how Santa knows the good boys and girls from the bad boys and girls. The rest I think is performance as already explained in the beginning of this routine. Now the cool thing with the idea behind this routine you can change it to Halloween and the objects can be five scary things such as Skull, Dracula doll, Frankenstein, Witch, Jack-O-Lantern. The box in this case could be a coffin with the note and wierd Halloween treats.

I just want to thank Doug Roberts for the inspiration on our phone chat to come up with this idea and using the magician's force for a fun bit of mentalism for kids. Let your mind wander how you can change this routine and let me hear what you come up with.

Thanks for reading sorry for the delay of a day in writing.

Best Magical Wishes,

Tony Blanco

tony@hocus-pocus.com

2007-10-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Things Going Bump in the Night

Halloween is just around the corner, then a slow slide into Christmas time are you shows ready? Later in Tony's Picks I recommend some of our Halloween magic favorites for you shows. This weekend I had a interesting day on Saturday. First the kids magic class and lots of great ideas were taught. Then off to the mall for a Grand Opening of a Ice Cream Parlor chain called MaggieMoo's. Nice setting outdoors for the show with perfect weather to actual keep my long coat on even during the juggling number of my show. I'll have some pictures to share with all of you. Then Saturday night back to the restaurant to do close up and balloons. Sunday, Lisa and I took in the Big Fresno Fair. I finally got to see this grand event for Fresno that Paul loves so much. It was great to see friends Tom Jorgenson and Terry Godfrey perform their magic shows at the fair. Lisa even got interviewed at the Fair by a local reporter about a new feature of the Fair. So how was your weekend?

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

Hocus Pocus upcoming news is we thought we were done with lectures for the year until we got some amazing news. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So I would mark your calendar for Decemeber 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the daoor the night of the lecture.

Tony's Picks

John Calvert's Spirit Cabinet

For the feeling of a seance in the daylight comes John Calvert's Spirit Cabinet. Imagine having the power to bring "Spirits" on stage with you to perform. The Spirits perform they magic to a spectator while inside the cabinet you the magician is tied up. The curtain is raised and all magical mayhem begins around the spectator. A act that Mr. Calvert has perfected in his 60 plus years as a traveling superstar of magic. This entire act is a true pack flat plays big. Everything is included even a video by Mr Calvert teaching you all his years of knowledge to create a very eerie act.

Gary the Goofy Ghost

Just in time for Halloween comes Mike Bent's Gary the Goofy Ghost. Gary the Goofy Ghost lives in a rickety old Haunted House illustrated on a beautiful, full color 18" silk. Hand the silk to a helper and ask if they can find Gary. They examine the silk, but find nothing. Explain that Gary lives inside the house and point to one of the windows. Reach into the window and pull out a small white silk with a goofy, grinning ghost face. Poke Gary into your fist and he vanishes. Now you tell the audience that "He flew back to the house, which room do you think he's hiding in?" They point to one of the 13 doors or windows. You reach in, and there's Gary! "Let's put him in the dungeon and see if he can escape." Poke Gary into the dungeon door and he vanishes right into the cloth. Where could Gary be? Reach inside the helper’s sleeve and discover that Gary has been hiding there all along. Finally, Gary vanishes one more time, but can't be found anywhere, until the audience finds him hanging on your helper's back! You get an 18" full color Haunted House silk, 2 Gary the Goofy Ghost silks, special gimmick, and Mike Bent's full routine complete with ghoulishly goofy gags. Like I said just in time for Halloween or for any spooky story you may want to tell during your act.

Forgetful Frankie

Any kid show magician knows Forgetful Freddie, now comes a Halloween special Forgetful Frankie. Frankenstein now becomes subject for this classic of kidshow magic. In the process of removing Frankie's bolted neck loud cranking noise can be heard as well as sparks kicking off. Replacing Frankie's head with a balloon you then proceed to vanish his head from the body, balloon pops and his head reappears on his body. Dr. Frankenstein couldn't have come up with a more entertaining act.

Haunted Illusions

From the master draftsman and illusions of Paul Osborne is the book Haunted Illusions. This book presents some classics of magic with a Haunted Halloween twist. For years, Paul has shown all of us how to build illusions. Now Paul shares some themes to create spooky easy to build illusions. If you ever wanted to do illusions here's a good start to learn from.

Dracula Bites the Dust

Talk about theming, Mike Bent has created not one but two Halloween effects. First one is based on Terry Seabrook's Chattering Teeth routine. Mike has produced a CD-Rom with all the graphics to use a Dracula theme for this laugh-filled routine. Graphics include Transylvania Today newspaper, images to make a "Dracula Deck and much more. So if you feel you can upgrade a act your currently doing this one is a winner. Mike shows that with a little thought any standard act can be made more personal to the event.

Mummy Dearest

This is the second of Mike Bent's Halloween theme effects. Dust of that old Temple Screen to produce a Egyptian theme story of conjuring up the spirit of a mummy. Have a child come on stage and then have your helper cast a spell only to produce white paper. Instead of the spirit of a mummy you transform your helper into a mummy. All is included in the CD for transforming you old Temple Screen into the walls of a Pyramid with hieroglyphics. I have already seen a couple of smart magicians placing orders for this CD and a new Temple Screen.

Tony's Tips

Special Guest Alan Wong

Alan Wong was born and raised in Hong Kong. He started magic after his father showed him a svengali deck when he was about 10 and got hooked to magic right that moment. At 16, he ate a real lightbulb for the talent show on his secondary school graduation. He went to Queen's University in Canada and there he met Antony Lindan and Robin Dawes, his first fellow magicians in Canada. He performed his way through university for private parties, schools and libraries, city hall, art museum, and was resident magician at the Sunflower restaurant in Kingston. In 1986 he met Sid Lorraine and Harry Allen at a convention in Montreal, where both in their own ways encouraged and inspired him to be determined in the magic arts. It was not until 19 years later Alan Wong and Harry Allen met again in a Singapore magic convention in 2005, where the kid who helped Harry packed his van had also become a magic dealer himself.

In 1999, Alan Wong entered the commercial magic scene with his original trick Stargazer, released through JB Magic. Since then he has created a number of magic effects such as the Wonder Pet and Dream Lock to name a few. Hocus Pocus manager Tony Blanco was the first person in USA to have seen the Wonder Pet trick when they first met in Las Vegas a few years ago. Soon after that it became a big hit from Hocus Pocus. Alan learned from the masters Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger and is always inspired by them to be more creative.

Alan Wong and Steve Marshall finally met in 2006 at the AMA convention in China after Steve wrote a column on him in the MUM magazine and they have kept in touch since then. During the past year Steve has been the test pilot magician for most of Alan Wong's newest magic toys. Together they recently released the Strawman routine, an improved version of the Okito voodo doll trick. A series of new tricks will be expected to be released by Steve and Alan before the end of this year in 2007.

Alan Wong is a magic inventor, convention dealer, co-founder of the Hong Kong Fellowship of Christian Magicians. In the working world he had been seen operating boats in Florida's EPCOT CENTER, or walking elephants, to later launched his career as airline pilot with Cathay Pacific Airways and also served in the Royal Hong Kong Auxillary Air Force. For the past 14 years he has been working in the Human Resources profession and currently Head of Human Resources for the Asia Pacific region with a multinational company. He has lived in Canada, USA, Scotland and now living in his home in Hong Kong with his wife Catherine.

Here is a quick mental trick using ordinary paper and 3 paper clips:

What you need:
3 pieces of square scribble note paper (desk top paper blocks are ideal)
3 paper clips (I use triangular shaped ones), with the short leg slightly tilt upwards in its design.
A pen

Effect: An impromptu mindreading trick where magician can sense the paper with spectator’s signature among 3 folded papers.
Secret: The subtle mark of the identified paperclip bending down in a different direction than the other two reveals the signed paper to the magician who looks for the sign.
Handling: Ask spectator to sign his name on one of the 3 papers and then fold it into quarters to make sure the signature cannot be seen. Show 3 identical normal paper clips.

Then fold the other 2 pieces of blank paper exactly the same way so they cannot be distinguished. While he is folding the 2 blank pieces you take any paper clip, or handed by the spectator, to clip the folded paper with signature inside to ensure it does not open up during the trick. Normally one would just slide the paper clip with the slightly bent up short leg onto the paper’s edge and the paper will slide along under this short leg very easily, so the short leg will remain on top of the paper and the long leg under the paper.

Instead you do it the other way so the long leg is on top and the short leg is pushed down and clipped under the paper now, with the bend in the short leg touching the paper. This is your mark. With the other two pieces of blank paper, put the paper clip on the normal way so the bend in the short leg faces outwards.

Mix the papers around and cup them in your hand. You can even do this blindfolded.
Just touch the paper clips one by one and feel it with your finger tips. The one with the bend on the short leg of the paper clip pointing into the paper is the one with your spectator’s signature. Once you identified the paper, open it up to qualify and at the same time the evidence is destroyed without a trace.

Alan, thank you so much for sharing your time today, for this clever bit of magic and for your friendship. We all look forward to your next clever magic creation along with Steve Marshall.

Next week I will share an effect that you can do for Christmas as well as Halloween once you know the principle of the effect.

Best of Magic to you,

Tony Blanco

Magic At Maggie Moo's

2007-10-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Magical Seasons this way come

I hope your planning for one of the best parts of the year. With three major holiday times this should be the busiest time for entertainers. If you have not already started now would be a good time to do some PR or just good will etertainment. One such stunt is a salute to Houdini on Halloween. Doing a show paid or free to link your performance and the name of Houdini around Halloween is a great form of PR. If you choose and your town is small contact a local TV station or newspaper to maybe do a special performance or morning show to get work. The same could be said for Thanksgiving. Many times back in Las Vegas performers appeared at food shelters helping to serve the food to homeless and then do a show. Then comes the Christmas time when you can be part of breakfast with Santa's when Santa make his debut at the Local mall. So many ideas come to mind. Mean while check out some of the Holiday magic effects we have. Type in key words in the product search of the website such as Christmas, Santa, Halloween, Turkey, Ghost and Monster to find great effects.

Hocus Pocus Swap Meet 2008

News for those of you who were part of last years swap..we are doing it again and now for 2 days. First day Saturday January 19 will be like last year, dealers and lectures oh my! Then the next day Sunday will be a special hands on workshop with none other then Daryl! I just wanted to wet your appetite a little. We will have some of the folks who were dealers last year back again including Dick Barry, Suds and Mark and Nani Wilson. I will leave the the names of the new folks visiting the Swap Meet for Paul's Blog. I don't want to tip to much just yet, but do lock down the weekend of the January 19 and 20th.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues
Hocus Pocus upcoming news is we thought we were done with lectures for the year until we got some amazing news. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So I would mark your calendar for Decemeber 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the daoor the night of the lecture.

Tony's Picks

Bunko

From the creative and genuis mind of Jim Steinmeyer comes his new shortchange effect Bunko which is a remarkable close-up routine. Bunko is a perfect example of close up magic theater. An intriguing story draws the spectators in and then wallops them with magic. Twenty dollars in change (five singles, three fives) changes to $19, then $14, back to $20... And at the end, the sucker ends up with just thirteen dollars. The routine is ingeniously arranged without any sleight of hand at all. A beautiful set of instructions, written by Richard Kaufman and illustrated with 48 full color photos, explain the routine in detail. Just eight bills. No folding, palming, flaps, switches or false-count sleights. The colorful, specially printed bills enhance the effect... Or perform it with real bills, as the instructions explain. Bunko reminds of the great type of shortchange effects your would see by the likes of the vaudeville performers do. Again we thank Jim for sharing his latest creation with Hocus Pocus.

Make It Spooky

Fronm the musice talents of Arthur & Leslie Stead comes Make It Spooky which is a collection of original royalty-free songs just in time for Halloween. The bizarre melodies, wacky tunes and eerie atmospheres are perfect for Halloween and any mysterious performance venue. These unique songs vary from orchestral, latin, jazz and rock to thrillingly cinematic. Packed with hidden melodic counter-lines to intrigue and involve your audiences. This music is perfect for many other themes and educational programs, such as Egyptology, archaeology, science, wizardry, creepy crawly reptiles or insects. And of course, great fun for a regular magic show, any time of year. Each song can be used knowing that professional musicians laid down these tracks with magicians in mind. Lots of great full body tunes which will fill the venue with a spirit of errieness.

Strawman

From the creative mind of Alan Wong, (who has created such modern day magical classics such as, "Stargazer" and "Wonder Pet") comes this delightfully spooky routine that can be presented as comedy, bizarre, or anywhere in between. Strawman is your own personal voodoo doll which you have total control over and he is ready to cast his spell over your audience. He will come to life and stands up on his own in the palm of your hand. When covered by a mysterious black cloth he will jump up from the table, by his own powers, untouched by human hands. Alan Wong along with Steve Marshall have created a great piece of close-up wierdness that will really give your audiences the chills. In stock and ready for shipping for all your Halloween gigs. Comes complete with Strawman, Magic Cloth and complete spooky instructions.

Happy Santa Blendo

From the Godfather of KidBiz magic David Ginn comes Happy Santa Blendo. What can we say about this effect? Only that its the finest made Holiday silk effect ever! Let alone the great low price for such great workmanship and design. Just in time for the holidays comes David Ginn's new Happy Santa Blendo. This one comes with three 12-inch silks (red, white, green) that blend into a 36-inch full color Santa Claus. David has designed this to look like a Coca-Cola Santa without copying theirs, and the finished product met David's expectations. Use it in Blendo fashion as David does, or with children change the silks to the Santa using a change bag. Either way, you have a winner for Christmas. Again let me point out that this is incredible value and worth far more than the asking price. If your looking for one Hoilday effect this year consider this one as the best!

Lee Grabel Archival Project DVD

Here now is a slice of magic history documented on a limited edition set of 4 DVDs which chronicle the life work of a master entertainer Lee Grabel. In the late 1800s, Alexander Herrmann, a leading magician in America, was the First magician of the dynasty. During the first decade of the 1900s, after Herrmann's death, Harry Kellar became America's leading magician. Kellar chose Howard Thurston to be his successor and had Thurston travel with him during his last tour to proclaim it publicly. Kellar held a special ceremony to honor Thurston and at this event he presented Thurston with a black cape. This tradition became known as the passing of the "mantle" and continues today. Thurston later passed the "mantle" on to Dante, who was initially known better internationally than in America. It was not until 1939 after Dante opened his show on Broadway that he became known in the United States. In 1954, Dante visited Lee Grabel and plans commenced for Dante to pass the succession of the "mantle" on to Lee Grabel. Although Dante died before the "mantle" was formally passed on to Lee Grabel, Dante's plans were documented in correspondence to do so. Thus, Lee Grabel carried on the uninterrupted line of thedynasty. Lee Grabel searched for his own successor for many years until finally naming Lance Burton as his proud heir by formerly passing the "mantle" to him on May 12, 1994. In this series of 4 DVD's it features "Do Not Believe All You See Or Hear Grand Illusions - The Royal Dynasty" "More History, The Big Show, Miscellaneous, Plus How-To-Routines. We Remember Lee Grabel 1 & 2 and Passing The Mantle, Cards and Walkoffs, 25th Anniversary, Q&A, Family Business, 2004 Honors History of the Royal Dynasty of Magic The "Royal Dynasty of Magic" consists of a special elite group of magicians who have been individually designated by a predecessor. So don't miss your chance to own Lee Grabel truly remarkable life and history of magic.

Tony's Tips

Special Guest Steve Marshall

This week we have a special guest Steve Marshall is a professional magician who currently lives in Japan where he performs his show in both English and Japanese. When he is not performing he enjoys practicing magic, reading about magic, writing about magic (including his monthly column “Asian Astonishments” for the M-U-M magazine), writing comedy songs to play on his guitar, painting and trying to figure out what to do with his spare time.

Creativity represents a miraculous coming together of the uninhibited energy of the child with its apparent opposite and enemy, the sense of order imposed on the disciplined adult intelligence.
Norman Podhoretz

Hi Tony,
I really love the quote above. Even though no one has ever accused me of having “the sense of order imposed on the disciplined adult intelligence” I understand what it means. Magic is such a great venue for creativity because the ability to think like a child can be one of our greatest assets. A child’s imagination is limitless, magic dust, fairies, Peter Pan, stuffed animals that seem to be real, space aliens and even monsters. It’s great to remember how “real” magic felt when we were kids. Some of these things can still cause special feelings in me, like snow on Christmas Eve or when the leaves appear back on the trees in spring. I try to remember this real sense of wonder when I’m creating a routine for a magic effect.
Now, most of the time, I perform my magic in the comedy style and, even though I’m trying to make people laugh, (which is another kind of magic in itself) I still want to create a sense of wonder. After all I do call myself a comedy MAGICIAN! I think it’s important to let our spectators experience that feeling of amazement because that’s really what it should be all about. We should strive, in our performances, to create a sense of wonder so that when people walk away from our show they are not trying to figure out how we did it but instead just saying, “that was cool”!

People often ask me where my ideas come from. My general answer is, “I don’t know”. That’s not entirely true since sometimes I will see something that will spark an idea in me. Although, a lot of times ideas seem to just fall out of the sky or a new line will just come out of my mouth in the middle of a performance. These are usually the “keepers”!

I have recently teamed up with Alan Wong from Hong Kong to write instructions, and come up with routines, for his new effects. Alan sends me a new effect and I get to play around with it to come up with handlings and routines that can be included in the instructions. I practice the mechanics of the effects at home and come up with a basic routine, then I take it to my restaurant gig in Tokyo where I get to do the effect a hundred times for live audiences. Each table is a show for a different crowd so I can really see what works and what doesn’t in a real world situation.

Thanks to Hocus Pocus for carrying Alan’s latest effect “Strawman”. It is the first effect that Alan and I have collaborated on and the booklet that is packaged with the great custom made props includes handlings and bits of business that I have personally tested in my own show so I know that they work. It’s a great effect for the Halloween season too! Thanks, Tony, for letting me put my two-yen’s worth in, here on your blog. Happy Halloween to you, Paul, Mike, everyone at Hocus Pocus and everyone who is still reading this to the end!
Sayonara for now! Steve Marshall

Thanks Steve, we look forward to hearing from you and Alan with new magical creations. I know next time Steve will share some more stories of life in Japan. Hopefully since Steve is there in the heart of so much new and creative magic maybe I can see if he would share a trick or bit of business with all of you.

Thanks for reading. Maybe you would want to join in and share something with all of us.

Send any ideas, photos suggestions, etc. to Tony@hocus-pocus.com

Thank you

Best Wishes,

Tony Blanco

2007-09-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Just a bit of the Fall chill in the Air

As the seasons change I can tell you the work is still coming in. As a matter of fact this Saturday was one of those dates (usually 2-3 of them a year) that everyone wanted a party for they child. It was funny that I had a booking for this Saturday for a month now. Then during the week I kept getting calls for shows for the same time I was booked. I even got a call from one parent on Saturday at 10:30 in the morning to come to do a show at 1:00. It was nice to get calls but at that point here is the time you wished you were Twins or Triplets. Actually the gig I did was amazing how the parents had the arrival so well timed of the kids, that we started right on time. Now once that party was over back home and then out again for my Saturday night restaurant gig. This gig is actually picking up steam. I got the gig thru a local clown and now she will not be able to do her Tuesday night gig for them due to a medical problem. The restaurant made it a point to tell her to make sure then we have Tony here until you are well. Now that is the nicest comment one can get, knowing that you are like for what you do.

Hocus Pocus Lecture Series Continues

Hocus Pocus upcoming news is we thought we were done with lectures for the year until we got some amazing news. Hocus Pocus dear friend and magic legend John Calvert is going to be here December 10. It seems John is being honored in Las Vegas by his peers for his years of performing. John is a living legend not only as a magician, but as an actor John worked at a time when stars like Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power or Douglas Fairbanks ruled big screen. John also worked with most of these stars and did appear in over 40 movies during the Golden age of Hollywood. Along with his wife Tammy, John still performs and travels around the world. So I would mark your calendar for Decemeber 10th 2007 for an Evening with John Calvert at 7:00 $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the daoor the night of the lecture.

Tony's Picks

Start getting ready for those Holiday shows. Lots of new items just in time for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We will feature some of them in next weeks Tony's Picks.

Andy Comic Cups and Balls

Stop and Pop

From the creatively brilliant mind of Ton Onosaka comes another in his series of "packs small, plays big" effects. The Card in Balloon is a favorite among many magicians. Here's a version of card in balloon that packs flat, plays big. Have a card selected from an oversized deck which are cards that are hinged together. So no sleight of hand here as the performer deals them, one by one, until a card is selected. Then, a large pad of paper that has been in view since the beginning is used. On the front of the pad is a picture of a bright red balloon. The performer flips through the pages, and the successive pictures animate to show the balloon bursting, revealing... the chosen card. This is a great way of doing a card effect for either kids or adults. Visual and colorful is the key to keeping the audience's attention and as always Ton Onosaka come through with Stop and Pop

Instant magic Holiday Turkey

From our creative friends at Axtell just in time for the Holidays comes Instant Magic Holiday Turkey. Here is a production item is made from high quality latex with spring action foam inside for very fast pop up! It can compress down to 1/2" or more and instantly appear as a big 16 x 12 x 7" holiday turkey. Use it with a pizza box and produce Dominos' new pizza for the holidays. Add garnish like plastic apples and tomatoes around the edges and it looks like you just produced a full holiday feast. This realistic turkey has amazing detailed airbrushing on it. The turkey be used with your pizza box or produce it from any magical apparatus that it can fit in. Compresses down from 7 to 1.5 inches but yet is big on laughs when produced. Here is a grand finale for Thanksgiving Shows or Holiday Shows. Not to be missed as one of the cleverest and funny production items in a long time.

Cardshark Book

Darwin Ortiz is unquestionably of the top cardmen in the world today. As a expert's expert, Darwin has been called upon by many casinos for his knowledge of gambling and card work. In this book he offers you the chance to learn the routines that have earned him his living and his reputation, including all of the psychological insights, presentational angles and performing tips which could only have been gained from years of professional performance. Darwin's Cardshark book is divided into 3 parts, Impromptu Miracles, Presentational Showpieces, Gambling Routines and span some 187 pages in this hardcover book. Here is that time when a professional really shares not only effects but the thought process and insights into the mind of the spectator when you perform these great effects.

Masuda's Frozen in Time

From the creator of the most talked about card trick of this year WOW comes Masuda's Frozen in Time. Masuda's Frozen in Time allows you to predict a randomly selected time with nothing more complicated than a photograph. There are no electronic gimmicks to worry about, no complicated gimmicks, etc. There are two pieces of apparatus only; an ungimmicked plastic cover that is open on both ends and a photograph of a pocket watch sealed inside a block of Lucite. In the performance you explain to the spectators exactly what you have, a Lucite photo-block that holds a sealed picture of a pocket watch, inside a plastic cover. You point to it on the table. You then explain to the spectators that there are twelve hours represented on a watch and ask them to name any hour. When you remove the Lucite block from the cover, the spectator can see that when the watch was photographed, the time on the watch was the same as they predicted. The magician shows the block front and back and allows the spectator to feel the Lucite surface proving that it really is a photograph, frozen in time, stopped at their chosen time! This effect can be instantly repeated with a different outcome each time.

Tony's Tips

Whats in Your Wallet ?

That's the term we hear from that credit card commerical to make sure you carry the right credit card all the time. Well my, thought is what is the right magic you need carry to your show that you can't live without. Now I am talking about either your stage show or in your close-up shows. What would you consider the ammo that makes you blow people away with your magic. I know for me a set of sponge balls and a purse frame are in all my cases (Stage & Close-up). This is followed by both regular Bicycle cards and Casio cards (for signed card effects). Having a few sharpies in your close up bag is a good start. Four Half dollars, some quarters also Cocktail napkins both plain and the rose colored style. I have found that having a small balloon pump the hand held style is good to have, so much so that I have one in each of my cases ready to go.

Certain items are great to have with you. I have been teaching my weekend students knowledge is good also. Knowing moves like the Flip stick move means chop sticks, pencils, pens, drinking straws can be vanished at anytime. Having a knowledge of moves like the paddle move can turn any found object into a magic prop also. Keeping you mind and hands together as one can make you a "magical Mac Gyver" being able to do magic anytime with anything. Begin to store up a knowledge of effects that you can do using found objects when your performing in restaurants or in some one's home. One of my favorite "found" objects is the nice cloth napkins in fine restaurants or good dinner parties. So many effects can be done with a good dinner napkin.

So now what is in my stage show roadie case I can't live with out...hmm. Well having an extension cord is a must first for my sound system. You just never get that luckily having a outlet where and when you need one. Then it comes down to having extra hanks or spools of rope, extra decks of cards, sheets of newspapers and plastic shopping bags to clean up your mess after the show. So what's in your magic case?

Then we can think about the type of effects that you would carry if you had just a bag like a leather gym bag. Shows on the spot what would you carry? Again I would have a small sound system boom box CD player. Juggling Balls, Ropes, Silks, Scissors, cards and newspaper. One of the most interesting lines or sayings comes from my friend Jeff Mc Bride...."If you want to be a Master of Time and Space...You Need to get to the Space on Time". What does that mean, just show up on time? Get up Early? Honestly, its what you see and hear in it. For me its about Planning, Thinking Ahead and studying so you can being able to perform at the drop of a hat. Being able to do magic with anything. Wisdom is Knowledge. So gear up tricks that will be able to be done and work for all types of crowds.

As much as I do kid show/family shows with set routines and props, it is more amazing to do actual closeup magic to kids. Since performing in restaurants I have but a shorter time to perform so I dive right into coin and card magic, this for children of all ages. The response is much better sometimes then having to present a show in the formal way. Sometimes I feel as if I just really keep the magic visual and perhaps even silent you actual go over much larger.

Well, this week I seem to be rambling a bit, but since I have your attention. Let me start hearing more from all of you. I would love to feature our customers, even if its just a picture and a bio...send it. If you want to share a performing story, a funny thing happened to me at this one gig, send it to Tony@hocus-pocus.com

Thanks for reading,

Tony Blanco

2007-09-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Magic That Makes a Difference

This past weekend of shows was rather interesting to say the least. First during the week a possible customer called to book me about 45 minutes from my home. Price does have to go up for the travel, makes sense. So I never really heard from her until Saturday afternoon. She tells me that she is bringing her group to the restaurant that I am working at to see "My Show". I had to explain its not a show as much as close-up magic at each table of the restaurant. So her request was to visit and spend more time at they table. This was not a problem and to really think about it that also is my job to bring in customers to see me and to order food. So that was my first set of customers that came just to see me and have a meal. This is what a restaurant wants to see!

Second event was Sunday, a birthday party for 2 ladies turning 30 years old. Now in the big picture it was a family show, lots of kids and grandma's, grandpa's etc. I performed it as if it was a birthday for young kids and did feature the two ladies in a couple of effects. The show was over and the two ladies made a speech to the crowd of friends and family. What surprised me is the history these two friends shared growing up and the possibilities that each of them were surprised to be alive by their 30th birthdays! Not sure what they meant but I noticed photos around of them growing up. One of the ladies did serve in the Army. So I guess both have been through a tough life so I was honor to be there with their children, husbands and the rest of the family. In their speech they took the time to include me in the happiness of life they both share. So sometimes magic can make a difference and touch lives. How were your gigs?

Reminder to start locking in Jan 19th and possible the 20th for the Second Annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet and Magic Get-Together ! Last year was a great event, everyone had a super time! Don't miss out!

Tony's Picks

Just to let you know we have Freakey in stock. Get yours now.

Levent's Salt Pour

This legendary trick has been featured by such great magicians as Dai Vernon, Roy Benson and Fred Kaps now made by Levent. Levent is the author of “Roy Benson By Starlight” has taken Roy Benson’s original Salt Pour Gimmick and he has added many unique design features that make it by far the best gimmick ever produced. Custom molded out of durable and corrosion resistant flesh-colored plastic it will never require painting or touching up. Because of the lightweight material being slightly translucent so that under proper stage lighting conditions you can see exactly how much salt remains in the gimmick as the salt is reproduced. A concave base enabling the gimmick to sit upright and be ready to use in the prop case which also provides an indentation for your thumb making it easier to do the Benson “Turnover Move” as well as allow for better control during Vernon’s salt flow control technique. The gimmick includes a DVD, in which Levent teaches the various Salt Pour techniques from the past masters of magic such as Dai Vernon, Roy Benson, Ross Bertram and Fred Kaps. Levent covers the Salt Pour history of all the great performers of this act as well as teaches the entire Salt Pour routine that he currently performs in his comedy magic act. Plus, he includes multiple variations such as the production of the salt from both fists. Finally as a bonus he reveals the secret of his earlier routine in which a borrowed wrist watch is transformed into an hourglass, the sand from the hourglass is used for the Salt Pour trick and at the finale the sand magically transforms back to the borrowed watch. A classic of magic prop that will last you a life time with a DVD full of knowledge all for an amazing price.

A Weekend At the 4F

As a kid magician growing up in New York I heard of this legendary convention of invited only close-up workers getting together at the Forks Hotel. Names like Garcia, Loyrane, Dingle and Roth, fueled my imagination of what these great workers talked about and shared with each other. Perhaps later when they would return to NYC after coming off the mountain to impart the creations of the weekend to us young ones. Well now thanks to East Coast Magic Productions and long time event host Obie O' Brien you get to attend this very prestigious convention. On this the first volume of Magic at the 4F's you get on the DVD an interview by John Blake with Obie and Mike Gallo to learn about the history of the legendary 4F. Magic effects from Jim Klayder, Ali Bongo, Patrick Page, Hayashi, Richard Kaufman, David Regal, Vanni Bossi, Tom Craven and Scott Robinson. A once in a lifetime event on DVD and you have a front row seat.

Zupan's Professional Money Machine

Here is the grandest Money Machine you could ever own. Imported from overseas, each Zupan's Professional Money Machine is meticulously hand-crafted down to the finest detail. Utilizing the finest woods, hardware, and finish, this is sure to become one of the most talked-about pieces in your close-up and parlor acts as well as one heck of a collector's item! If the pros use it, you know it means quality through and through. Each unit comes complete with its own elegant wooden chest lined with special holders for all its pieces to be packed snug, detailed instructions, CD-ROM with performance and explanation video, various flags from different countries, two steel "performance keys," foreign bill gaffs and mis-prints. The full routine is well described on the website with all the comedy one could ask for as well as magic. Also on the website are 3 real time media clips of the routine that is sure to make you show stand out.

Slap

From the wacky and creative world of Anton Corradin comes a mini illusion just in time for Halloween. Image the magician standing on stage alongside a 3 legged table. He explains that he once saw what he believed to be a magician/butcher perform a pretty shocking trick. As he describes the tale, he places a dishtowel over his left hand and places it on the table. Picking up a large and very menacing butcher knife with a gleaming silver blade, the performer proceeds to cut off his very hand! Placing the knife down, the performer lifts off the cloth to reveal a severed hand on the table. Looking shocked, he immediately picks up the hand and promptly and magically reattaches his hand. Sounds pretty sick and wacky truly as i said from the mind of Anton Corradin. In this effect you get, Collapsible table nicely done up with gold fringe, Large butcher knife, Fake hand, Dish towel and a full performance/instructional DVD. In addition to the effect, the included gimmick table is perfect for other effects and ideas and Slap can be performed surrounded. The best yet is that only a few minutes after receiving it, you will be able to include it in your show. Get yours for that ghoulish magic Halloween show now.

Royal Random Time Pieces

A beautiful watch and an amazing magic trick all rolled into one that is the Royal Random Time Pieces which are made to the highest quality specifications. Display this ordinary watch and ask your spectator to name any time in the future. When you show the watch again, it's set to the selected time! The Royal Random Time Pieces, stop in a different way than previous models. And now there is a whole range of different styles to choose from. Choose from, The Majestic, Aristocratic Gold Face or Silver Face, Select Timepiece Black or Brown. Check the website for the look of each style that I have just mention. Paul has done nothing but rave about the look and the price of these great watches which are easy to perform. If you are into watch effects these are the best made and the best priced on the market right now!

Tony's Tips

To say tonight's guest blogger must never sleep would be an understatement. Whether traveling around the world performing or creating new magic routines Paul Romhany is a magical force like no other. Paul Romhany got his start in his native New Zealand, earning his degree in music from Auckland University. A piano certificate from London’s Royal College of Music followed, but Paul’s passion remained in theatre. Soon he was traveling the globe performing to universal acclaim and recognition with such awards as Entertainer of the Year in New Zealand. Paul travels the world performing his magic on cruise ships. One of the highlights of his performances is his tribute to Charlie Chaplin. We are happy to have Paul's friendship here at Hocus Pocus and tonight he shares a few tips with all of you.

Pack small and Play Big Magic
By Paul Romhany

During my early career on cruise ships I would take long contracts which would mean that I stay on the same ship from anywhere between three to six months. This made life much easier when traveling because I could ‘courier’ my show prior to leaving for the contract, and once it was over, ‘courier’ it back home, never having to worry about losing my luggage.
The past few years I decided to do shorter contracts so I would fly to a country, sometimes a 40 hour trip, get on a ship for five days, perform my night of entertainment then fly home. I am usually home for about four or five days before flying to another country. This has caused many problems with flight connections being missed, missing the ship and losing my luggage. My luggage has been lost by the airlines NINE times this year, which meant that I turn up to a ship without any clothes or my act.

What lesson have I learnt?
Be prepared! The biggest lesson I have learnt from this type of work and travel is to design an act that can pack small and play big and ALWAYS be prepared. My main act on cruise ships is my Charlie Chaplin Act, a 50 minute one man show which travels in one case along with my clothes I need for the week on a ship, this being the case that keeps getting lost or delayed by the airlines.
I am now ALWAYS prepared and have a ‘back’ up second show that packs even smaller in my backpack. This means that if my main act is lost, I can still perform a full evening show with props I have in my backpack and objects I find on a ship.
Here is a basic list of the magic I take in my back-up if my main show is lost or I’m asked to do another 45 minute show:-

Rope (I find this on the ship)
Comedy Five Card Repeat (released through Hocus-Pocus)
Big Ten – (released through Hocus-Pocus)
Multiplying Bottles (released through Hocus-Pocus)
Linking Coathangers
Dream Prediction (released through Hocus-Pocus)

Out of the above effects I am able to entertain for 45 minutes. Last week my act was lost again on my way to Iceland, and I had the entire ‘lost luggage’ show filmed. You can see a short 5 minute clip on youtube of me performing the above show at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QggROX0a6fo

I get many emails from magicians wanting to work on cruise ships and they always ask for advice. My main advice is to make sure you are ready and always BE PREPARED. Design an act that can pack small and play VERY BIG.

Thank you Paul for those well learned rules from the road and the school of hard knocks. I hope you now understand what it is like to hear from a real worker who is ready for any problem. I always tell folks to have backup props as well as by 2 of something just in case.

So if you have a story to share, idea, routine or just advice send it to: Tony@hocus-pocus.com

Thanks for reading each week,

Magically,

Tony Blanco

2007-09-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Magical Lecture, Inspirational Ideas

Sorry for the delay in this weeks blog. The Hocus Pocus Lecture series usually happens on Mondays but this time we had it on Tuesday, blog writing night. So here we go 2 days later. Tuesday night we had the great fortune to have Fielding West here at Hocus Pocus. Now given the fact that we changed from a Monday night to a Tuesday night I was afraid of a low turn out.
Actually we had one of the largest turnouts, 50 people and a great evening.

Fielding West is the ideal of what a working pro is about. During his lecture Fielding shared his top secrets that have made him a top entertainer for over 32 years. Fielding has been seen on TV programs like the World's Greatest Magic, An Evening at the Improv, Caroline's Comedy and so many more to mention. This coming year we all will get to see more of Fielding on TV programs ranging from Criss Angel's show to his own 1 hour TV special produced by Lance Burton. While here, Fielding with Bob the Bird showed the folks attending the lecture the many professional ways to work with Doves. The knowledge Fielding shared about dove work has been handed down to him from folks like Johnny Thompson and Channing Pollack, and Fielding made sure everyone will know and continue these great theories of magic.

Fielding is best known as a wacky comedy magician but as with all comics a serious side is always there. A caring nature to share and make sure the next generation of magicians learn from his years of performing. We were all treated to great magic, but most of all were the ideas to learn to create magic and develop a character when performing. At lectures, magician's speak and come to sell items. Fielding is just the opposite he wanted everyone to be inspired by this art we call magic. His work with everyone attending the lecture, the way he was concerned that everyone learned something, to giving extra time to those who wanted to stay longer and learn more, to customizing a dove harness for someone, proves Fielding is a guy that loves what he does and wants everyone to look like a Pro!! We were all very lucky to have Fielding visit his hometown area (the first time in 40 years he says) for his lecture. From comedy, to staging an act, to dove work, close-up magic, to character development, Fielding does it all and is a true inspiration to learn from. So those who attended will agree and if Fielding is in your area don't miss his lecture. Check out the photos at the end of the Blog from the lecture. Thanks again Fielding!!

We are now making plans for our next swap meet. This again will be held in January on the weekend of the 19th 2008. Please make that date down and start cleaning your closets out to sell or trade your magic. We will again have tables for you to sell your items and of course the finest in magic lectures. Plan ahead now as I have just again made a deal with a great local hotel for rates also.

Tony's Picks

Amazing Mystical Vanishing Bandana

Magic Enhancer has released a brand new and completely updated and revamped version of the Vanishing Bandanna. This version contains an updated and fully produced CD with BOTH male and female voices, a longer and more comical script with better music and sound effects (a full 7-minute routine), and a custom-made Devil's Handkerchief which makes clean up so much easier! So, your saying "What another version of this trick"? Well once you perform something time after time, ideas and improvements do come to mind. So the folks at Magic Enhancer have created a totally new, practical re-worked script with much more comedy, but there are also two bonus effect scripts absolutely free. As if that weren't enough, also included are two free Magic Enhancer tracks that you can't get anywhere else. The most important improvement to this classic act that I close my show with is the Devil's hank, with removable pocket liners. No more mess. The Devil's hank is top quality created and designed by Sandra Sisti of Seams Like Magic. The Devil's hank uses a parachute lined removable pocket that makes clean up hassle-free. All you have to do, is take out the "dirty" pocket, slap in a replacement liner and you're all set to go. Since it is made of a parachute material, the banana doesn't stick to the lining which makes clean up very easy. The Devil's Hank is well made and will last a lifetime. For all the new additional comedy tracks (read the website for all of them), the new style Devil's hank and a great lesson in performing this effect by Bill Palmer, this truly is the "Ultimate" in the Vanishing Bandana set up" for your show and I should know I have been performing this for over 10 years sometimes 3-4 shows a day.

Big Bag o' Bunny

From kid show entertainer and magic creator Mike Bent comes Big Bag O' Bunny. Turn your audience helper into a bunny like magic. Reach into a small bag and pull out a pink sponge nose along with fuzzy bunny ears. Place these on your helper and the fun begins. Magically, the bag turns into a beautiful 36" bunny silk. Your helper becomes the bunny in this great visual act. Comes complete with bunny silk/Blendo bag, sponge nose, bunny ears, and Mike Bent's full routine! Now along the same routine and just in time for Christmas holiday shows is also Mike's Big Bag O' Blitzen this time you change your spectator into one of Santa's raindeer. Both are great for the working family show entertainer. Stock up now.

System 88

When you have a power or a system, it attracts money, women, prestige and fame. System 88 is not simple cold reading. It does not require an understanding of human nature. Within seconds of selecting a target subject, System 88 analyzes the subject, filters through 3,337,000 combinations of specific personality traits and reveals to you over 50 different singularities These are easily listed on the System 88 chart, a pocket-size card that each subject keeps and cherishes for years. System 88 is amazingly accurate. Developed by professional mind reader, Docc Hilford and clinical psychologist, Dr Lisa Chin, it analyzes and defines over 50 personal characteristics The target subject will be in shock at the unimpeachable information shown to her. There's nothing to memorize. Although System 88 can generate over 3,000,000 different factual readings, everything is designed into the chart. It works automatically. System 88 has been a real hot seller these past few weeks. So again when you guys tell me about something, I need to recommend it to all. So for all you mentalist/mind reading kinda guys this is another must have!

Gary the Goofy Ghost

Comedy Five Card Repeat

From creative force in magic Paul Romhany straight from his cruise ship shows Comedy 5 Card Repeat. The premise is that the magician tells the audience that he will play a CD and together they will learn the famous $100 Three Card Trick. The magician then follows along with the voice over and that’s when the craziness starts. Things get out of hand as the magician keeps fooling the ‘voice-over’ with little ‘climaxes’ along the way until finally the trick works. This is 4 minutes of solid entertainment from a working professional’s act. One of the most commercial routines on the market today that packs small and plays big. Paul has taken the basic principle of five card repeat and re-designed gimmicked cards making it so easy to perform, including a few surprises that you can only do with his gimmicked cards. If you can hold playing cards in your hand then you can perform this version of FIVE CARD REPEAT. Here is a routine that makes you look like you have great sleight of hand skill as well as the talent to invoke loads of laughs from your audience. Here is one that really packs small and plays big. Check out the website for more information on this another Paul Romhany winner.

Tony's Tips

The Next Generation of Magicians

To say its has been a busy week would be a understatement. It was great to see Fielding again. He is a Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe staple when it comes to entertaining. The time he spent here will be an inspiration for all that attended. It reminded me of when I first started performing, and how everything was new and magical. After 32 years of performing (actually both Fielding and I) it was amazing to see his passion to teach and share. Recently I had a conversation with one of our customers that buys for his son just getting started in magic. They both attend a local magic club (I don't remember if its IBM or SAM) but I do remember what he said happens to the young guys who perform. Seems this club (and I have seen it in others) stands judgement with folded arms at the teenagers that get up to perform. For some reason it sounds like the older and wiser members are not being wiser or nice. They are standing judgement on these kids not as a lesson to grow and be better but I guess a feeling of jealous is what it sound like to me. Well if you are part of a magic club here is one rule that you all should live by...We all love magic so be here to INSPIRE! It almost blew me away that stories like this are still around about "old timers" getting nasty to kids who want to learn. It's like some weird child abuse story, "no one helped me, so I am not going to help some kid". Lose that kind of thinking magic clubs and create the next generation of magicians. OK rant over!

Restaurant Magic Part 2

Last week I was talking about starting working a new restaurant gig. This will be a little more of that again for this week. I have found that a good visual opening when starting you first trick is best. Don't talk, Do. This way you have made a visual impression that you are magical! Then you can begin slowly with a talking effect maybe. I still go for a second visual effect that cements my magic/sleight of hand skill. Then an inter-action effect making sure you learn most of the folks at the tables names.

I again say keep you time short at someones table. Have effects that are short, in case you have to rush to end of an effect because the food is now being served. This will always make you look good to stop performing and not continue when the food is served. Promise to come back if they want more and make sure you do. Unless you name is above the logo of the restaurant no one came to see magic, they came to eat. Also the management will be impressed to know that you know that the customer comes first and not the chop cup routine your doing.

Speaking of visual, your look should be one that as you walk around a restaurant folks should know your different from the waiters and waitresses. Not to say wear something goofy but clothing that looks different then the customers and staff. Make sure that a picture of you is if not on every table letting folks know when you appear, then at least one by the front door. This does not cost anybody but a space to hang a picture or a least on the counter by the register. Heck, I even came to them with the picture framed. I see it that the restaurant wants you to bring folks in, but I know they won't take or have the time to do the PR. Do it for them and you will be well like when customers say they are here to see the magician and management spent no money and time doing PR. In the long run this type of work will help build your name up in the area and outside gigs do come from this. You can also use this time as your own audition when folks want to see you before they hire you. Tell them where you perform and the restaurant makes money and later hopefully you will too from the gig.

Have as many different ways of giving your name and number to a spectator doing your time at their table. Never over look business card tricks as well as the 12 Easy to do magical trick brochure. Here is an idea that just came to me. Using your printer, make simple address labels with only your name, number and perhaps logo. If you make napkin roses, peel one of these labels off and stick it to the stem of the rose. I would fold it in half so it stick to itself and the stem is in the middle. Always be friendly and helpful to the customers and staff. Speaking of the staff, once in a while do a magic trick for them, but don't hang with them. Let them see you as someone special but not one of them. You need them to come to you when a customer wants to see magic so maybe if you get a tip from that table, tip them also. This kind of incentive will get them to work for you and again makes everyone happy. You get to perform, customer get treated well and wait staff gets tips also.

Hope that has inspired you. I hope to hear from those of you that read this blog.

Thanks for reading and thanks waiting for the blog.

Magically,

Tony Blanco

Pictures from Fielding West Lecture

2007-09-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Fielding West Lecture Tonight

Tonight's the night I usually write this blog, but will have to skip 2 days till Thursday night. Fielding West is here tonight at Hocus Pocus for his lecture. Tune in Thursday for Tony's Tips and Picks plus photos of the lecture.

Thanks,

Tony

2007-09-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

It's a Kind'da Close up magic

Hello after a nice long restful weekend. I hope your summer was a good one and the gigs were even better. This weekend saw your humble host doing just one gig, and then some rest and house work. Lots of things are coming up for Hocus Pocus. We are having our Swap Meet again in January 19th 2008 (where has the year gone) with great lectures and the friendship of all the folks up and down the California state. So lock that date in, it just maybe a 2 day event so

stay tune for more news. Also those wishing to come to see Fielding West next Tuesday lets get those reservations in for one of the funny guys of magic and comedy working today. If wish to come to the lecture it will be Tuesday Sept 11, at 7:00. Please call me at 1-800-407-4040 this week to get you spot for only $10.00, $15.00 at the door the night of the lecture.

Tony's Picks

The Other Side of Illusion Henry Evans

FISM award-winner Henry Evans is back to take you on a guided tour to the other side of illusion - where the impossible becomes possible and wonderful, surprising and often humorous things happen. If you enjoyed his last critically-acclaimed DVD offering, Something More Than An Illusion, you've already had a glimpse into the whimsical world of Henry Evans. If you haven't, you're in for a rare treat indeed. Here's what you'll see during your journey to the other side of illusion: IMPOSSIBLE CONTROL, IMPOSSIBLE CONTROL 2, MEMORIZED DECK , QUIT SMOKING, IMPOSSIBLE CARDS TRANSPOSITION, THE CARDS EXPERT, CHINESE ECONOMY, MATCHING COUPLES. This is just what's on Volume 1 of a 2 volume series from one of magic's creative minds. We had folks asking about this DVD before we started selling it. So again you guys know what's hot, don't miss your chance to get both copies of The Other Side of Illusion.

Second Storm John Guastaferro

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? Presenting John Guastaferro’s Second Storm, a follow-up to his popular Brainstorm DVDs released in 2003. Second Storm continues John’s brand of close-up magic; that is, strong, creative, practical and entertaining—ideal for strolling and formal close-up venues. John has earned the praise of magicians worldwide for his original ideas and effects. As Jon Racherbaumer puts it, “Second Storm demonstrates John’s unique ability to transform effects into ‘extraordinary moments.’” Second Storm includes never-before-seen card and non-card effects, as well as new twists from John’s 2005 lecture notes. Also on this series are John’s exclusive Brainstorm Breaks, where he shares additional ideas designed to spur your creativity.VOLUME 1: Quick Draw, Tricycle Cards, Teeter Totter Aces, Famous Aces Jokers To Go, Remote Possibilities, Fair Trade. Again like Henry Evans DVD this is also a 2 Volume DVD set. Both guys lay it on the line when it comes to amazing, clean and memorable close up magic Check out the full descriptions of the effects that are on these DVD's on our website and see what wild concepts of close up magic are being created.

Sam The Bellhop

Who has not seen this classic piece of magic by top professional Bill Malone? Here is an effect that has taken Bill around the world to perform. He has also performed this classic on the World's Greatest Magic special and in Magic of Monte Carlo on TV. Now this classic can be yours. In the book "The Final Word on Cards" by Rufus Steele there was an entry titled "Sam & Moe" (author unknown). This was a stunt in which the magician tells a story while turning over cards from the deck, the cards matching the words in the narrative. It was not really a trick but an amusing interlude. In other words, it was not supposed to fool anybody and it was not a new idea. In fact, other story routines such as "Jack goes to Town", as published in "Scarne on Card Tricks", were already in the literature. Bill learned the Sam the Bellhop story and stack as shown to him by Mike Pappas of Chicago and he immediately added expert blind shuffles and cuts to it, thereby making magic out of an amusing vignette. Bill uncovers original dynamics that make the effect flow. If you apply yourself, you can learn the most entertaining four minutes you will ever do! A bonus routine from Bill, is included "Radical Aces!"

Deep Rising Card

The performer spreads a deck of cards, displaying them and showing the spectator that there's nothing fishy about the deck. The deck is then offered to the spectator for shuffling. The performer then asks the spectator to pick a card (without any force) and memorize it. He can even sign it if he wishes. The chosen card is placed back to the middle of the deck by the spectator. The performer shows the outside and inside of the case, and immediately places the deck inside. Holding the card case, all the performer's fingers are seen and nothing is concealed. While the spectator is paying attention to the case, suddenly a single card is seen to rise right up slowly out of the deck -- it's indeed the chosen card after this is done, both sides of the case are shown and the deck is taken out of the case to spread. Still, nothing is found! You can even repeat this trick again and again! Both hands are free and no long sleeves are required! No threads, weights, magnets or thumbtips. Add nothing, take away nothing; just a deck and a card case. You control the speed of rising. This method is beautifully simple and easy to master for everyone. Comes complete with deck of cards, card case, and detailed instructions. Available in both red and blue-backed cards. Please specify color choice at time of order.

Magic Interview Series

From the folks of Radio Magic the first of magic interviews Jay Fortune talks to Wayne Dobson. Now you can have one of the world’s top magicians in your home, discussing their magical life, their favorite trick, perhaps the tricks that have made them successful. You hear about how they became bitten by the magic bug. How they made their dream of becoming a professional magician a reality. And then they tell you how you can do it. Introducing the world’s greatest magicians in a unique new series. Destined to grow into a magical classic, we are delighted to announce the first release in this exciting series for magicians. Part biographical, full of advice and always highly entertaining, this is your chance to hear Wayne’s story from childhood through to the world-famous magician he became. Honest, thought-provoking and highly charged, Wayne discusses his transition for a normal job in a sock factory to turning professional. We learn how he got the work, his big break, and the money, fame and tours that followed. Wayne takes us behind the scenes of his prime-time hit TV magic show ‘A Kind of Magic’. Wayne talks with brutal honesty of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was at the peak of his incredible career and how he copes living with his disability. The running time is well over 80 minutes, this two disc set is vital listening for the serious magician.

Tony's Tips

Well, last week you may have read that I have finally gotten a restaurant to perform in here in Fresno. Its a nice place, kind of a smaller version of an Applebee's or a TGIF without all the noise. This makes a way for me to be the special part of the visit along with the food. Just this week also we got David Stone's Real Secrets of Magic DVD volume 2 in stock. I had a chance to watch this highly knowledgeable performer share his working advice on performing in the restaurant atmosphere. This is one well produced series of DVD's (yes again 2 Volumes) with action like a movie and then insight to a working pro's world. The major thing is timing when it comes to working in restaurants, timing to perform, timing to leave the table and timing to get tips. It was like a great refresher course to watch David Stone and also laugh at the "stuff" we have to put up with from the guests. This is a fantastic DVD set to have to teach you the beginnings of performing at restaurants. Plus David's magic is quick, fast and amazing. This is what you must always keep in mind when working around and in the Food and Beverage world with your magic.

So here are a few of my tips I have learned after 32 years of what I call Food and Beverage magic. What does that mean? Honestly from Casinos to Temples to Birthday parties that is where the magic always seems to end up for me. Its either around food or at an event with food. So the first friend you need to make is the manager of the restaurant and the master cook of the place your working. To time when you work the tables between courses, to do your show after dessert not while its being served or while dishes are being cleared. Yes the folks came to eat but at some point you better be seen by the folks that hired you or they think you did nothing all night but walkaround.

I teach the tables to clap from the very first trick I do. This way other tables begin to wonder "who is he and is he coming to our table next"! Make those impressions so that the hosts know that you're working the party or room. If your working in a restaurant make sure you have some effects that use business cards. So that you leave them you number for future work. Mark Wilson has a great DVD for these types of effects. Patrick Kuff, Max Maven, and many more have great ideas with cards also. Take a look in variations of the "Out to Lunch" principal for more business card effects.

We will continue next week with more of Food and Beverage magic. For those of you wanting to share ideas for next week write me at tony@hocus-pocus.com

Thanks for reading,

Tony Blanco

Summer Photos of our Hocus Pocus family.

Blake Maxam from Oakland, CA. as the Madhatter